Page 45 - FDI Alliance International Magazine. Winter 2020 Digital Interactive Issue.

in the successful creation of city and community inclusion as a transformation. It’s not just an Emphasizing diversity has to be intentional,
culture. This means identifying differences in initiative or a program. It requires investment and there has to be buy-in from the entire
employee experiences and values across the from the executive branch to the newest person organization. The city looks for passion,
city (and across the community) so that change in the door. It requires real behavioral change. discipline, innovative thinking, problem-solving
can be made relevant for each person. That It’s about how the entire city operates and the skills and teamwork. “A key part of maintaining
lasting change must activate different parts of the individual ways of working, communicating and diversity and measuring the success of such
city and the community, at large — top down, contributing to the community.” programs is data and accountability,” says Lary,
bottom up, and middle out — in different ways. “to make sure diversity isn’t just an afterthought
This kind of organizational change must be but that it is front-of-mind for everyone, every
Lary supports maximizing joy and connection echoed through the entire organization. day”.
while minimizing fear among city staff and the
community as an element to a successful diversity
and inclusion mix. Elevating the power of shared
experiences creates greater potential for positive
change. It is central to not only point out where
there’s room for improvement, but equally
central to spotlight the moments of success
and celebrate them. Creating a culture where
every individual can contribute their full potential
requires investigating the systems currently in
place to uncover blind spots and finding ways
to reimagine them. The products and services
a city puts into its community reflect its values
— and its biases.

Lary says that to identify and bring to life the city’s
organizational values, mission and purpose is
the city’s brand and culture that are intimately
connected. His outlook in the journey toward
building a more inclusive city and more inclusive
community, is the importance of considering
the relationship between what’s happening
inside and outside of the city. What is the city’s CLARENCE BOONE
brand saying about who we are and our SR. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, CITY OF STONECREST
culture? In what ways is the city employee base
not congruent with the residential base? What 3120 Stonecrest Blvd, Suite 190, Stonecrest, GA 30038
experiences are being left out or misunderstood?
Lary feels this line of thinking forces the city to Direct: 770.224.0213 Main: 770.224.0200
think ahead, about what kind of organization cboone@stonecrestga.gov
the city is, what kind of organization the city
wants to be, and what the city’s legacy will be. www.stonecrestga.gov
Lary says, “we see the work with diversity and

45. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL