Marlene Shanley

HR Director, Group Manufacturing

For me, Inclusion and Diversity is about appreciating that not everyone thinks and operates the same way, and that people come at things from a different perspective, and actively seeking to use these differences of approach and thinking for a more powerful outcome.

I've worked with many types of people in a variety of situations in my career in Bank of Ireland.  I've been fortunate to work with some really good leaders who both encouraged and challenged me to be the best 'me' I can be, rather than thinking I needed to be a clone of someone else.  And I've seen an increasing focus in the organisation on understanding people's different styles and how to incorporate all styles to achieve a better outcome for our customers, our colleagues and, ultimately, for our shareholders. 

And, personally, I have learned that actively seeking out and including the inputs of those who think and operate differently to me always, always leads to a better outcome.  I've also found that, while it invariably is more challenging, I typically learn more from working with people least like me in approach and style.

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