Premier League leadership head shares his diversity tips

In today’s political climate, the subject of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) can feel loaded and difficult to approach. 

Piers Martin, the Premier League’s head of leadership and workforce development, recently shared his tips on handling diversity more confidently at a CMI web event, hosted by Anthony Thomas, diversity and inclusion lead for the CMI Wales Regional Board.

Here are five things he told us…

1. Diversity should be par for the course

Piers said he doesn't see himself as a diversity-led manager – that should simply be a given for all leaders. But in his work at the Premier League, he sees leaders at too many football clubs simply passing EDI off as someone else’s job. 

This, he said, is a problem, because diversity is linked to improved performance. 

“If they're not seeing diversity as a priority, they're not seeing high performance as a priority,” said Piers. “The whole point should be around developing your team, your people and the organisation. Open and honest dialogue is how you will improve.”

2. Tune out the noise

In the event live chat, attendees shared what they find most challenging when managing diversity. The most common response was “fear leading to silence”. In today’s politically charged environment, the thought of making a mistake around EDI can be paralysing. 

Piers, who is deaf, used his tinnitus as an analogy, saying leaders have to learn to tune out the societal noise. Be critical about the information you’re receiving and understand how biases can affect your opinions and decisions.  

“The more people can understand that, the more the societal noise will subside, or at least they’ll cope with it and manage it,” he said. “I understand why people are frightened of the political implications around diversity, but it comes down to what the organisation is there to achieve.”

Watch in full: Diversity and Inclusion – Removing the Fear of Open Conversations

For Piers, the “golden thread” of diversity isn’t found in diversity training. It’s in listening to people’s stories directly, which helps you become a compassionate leader.

3. Learn from the people in front of you

For Piers, the “golden thread” of diversity isn’t found in diversity training. It’s in listening to people’s stories directly, which helps you become a compassionate leader.