Joe E. Harlan on Diversity and The Consortium

By Elizabeth Macanufo 

September 2011

3M's former Executive Vice President, Consumer and Office Business Joe E. Harlan flew in from halfway across the world to present the Corporate Partner Keynote address during the 45^th Annual Orientation Program & Career Forum's Schoen Dinner. IN Magazine spoke with Joe about the importance of diversity for 3M and its relationship with The Consortium.

3M became a Consortium partner one year after The Consortium's founding, making the company one our most longstanding partners. What can you tell us about the history of this relationship?

It's been a very long relationship and a very successful relationship. Fred Harris initiated the relationship with The Consortium, and, after he retired, Gene Washington continued the relationship. He ensured that 3M donated to the Consortium and worked hard to ensure that we understood The Consortium's mission. We're proud to be associated and it's been a big help in making sure we have a diverse staff.

That 3M became involved with The Consortium so early in its life demonstrates the organization's commitment to diversity. Why is diversity so important to 3M?

Given today's business environment, it's obviously necessary. The diversity of our products, markets businesses makes it a business imperative. In order to be competitive in the marketplace, you must have the best talent available. You need the best and brightest to join your organization.

I have a very diverse team working for me. I have 17 direct reports, the bulk are female, or from around the globe. To sit in a room by myself, I could not answer 100 questions, but as a team we can.

How has 3M benefitted from its partnership with The Consortium?

Being part of The Consortium that draws and focuses on the best and brightest, really helps build our employment brand. The Consortium provides access to the top talent. Clearly, when you're associated with an organization like The Consortium, it gives folks the visible commitment that 3M is serious about diversity and provides great careers, not just in the Twin Cities, but globally. I hope it leads people to believe that 3M is a nice company, committed to diversity and one that I'd really like to work for.

Consortium fellows are high quality and talented individuals. They understand what it takes to be a professional business person and a good neighbor in the communities we operate in.   

3M is also committed to working with minority-owned suppliers. How does this initiative fit into 3M's business model? 

It's an integral part of our supply chain model. We need to leverage the supply chain and sourcing to concentrate on the broadest capabilities possible to increase our competitiveness.

This year, you gave the Corporate Partner Keynote speech at the Schoen Dinner. What are you hoping that participants take away from your remarks?