A few requests to share a perspective on diversity at work.
We can build a racially diverse team. But, it’s still a challenge to unleash that team’s potential to do great things. Learning to recognise the differences, empathetically uncovering common ground, believing in a shared purpose brings success. Leaders have social justice goals, wish to win the war on talent, embrace the value-creating potential of a diverse workforce. Inspiring.
We grow up with a common practice culture in schools, communities, institutions. But, differences exist. Authenticity, compassion, unique experiences, ideas & beliefs benefit the team as a whole. While differences can create divide, they also offer great opportunities for creative growth, incredible efficiencies & quality problem solving. Novel insights contributed by people different than themselves. Leaders can create a climate that encourages differences to thrive.
While differences are important, so are similarities. We each have a collection of attributes which may be similar or different with our teammates. Observable attributes like gender & race, less observable ones like expertise, personality, values, shared interests. Clear communication reveals both commonalities & differences. Key to building strong, meaningful relationships at work.
Ironically, even teams that honour differences & similarities can have conflicts. What’s important is not the existence of conflict but how teams resolve it. What is the goal of team conversations? Is our aim to express, learn, problem solve? Cultural sensitivity matters.
Teams have tremendous potential. A diverse team certainly drives more creativity, encourages individuals to think & process ideas more critically, stimulates more productivity. We just need a work environment that builds authenticity & trust. Motivated & diverse teams do the same things. They just do the same things, differently.