Category Archives: Diversity

Diversity, Leadership

Where is Your Diversity?

“We need diversity of thought in the world to face the new challenges.” — Tim Berners-Lee

As the United States, as well as many other parts of the world, struggles for acceptance of diversity, as leaders, the success of our organizations depend on that very diversity. The very things that we see in others that cause many to fear, and some to even hate, are the very things we need to face new challenges in a new and changing world. We no longer operate in an isolated environment; now that everything we do is on a global scale; diversity plays a bigger role than ever before. We need to value diversity of thought, diversity of perspective, and diversity of background. So, where is your diversity?

At the top?

If I were to look at your management team, would I see diversity? If your management team is all cut from the same fabric, always of one mind, your results will be limited to what that one mind can comprehend. This usually results in maintaining the status quo and limiting any forward movement that is progressive or innovative.

At the table?

If I were to look in on your operation meetings, would I see diversity? If you do not encourage a diverse variety of voices to take a seat at the table, your organization will develop tunnel vision. Who is to say how many opportunities you will miss out on when your vision is limited.

In the ranks?

If I were to walk around your organization, would I see diversity out on the floor? Every one of your employees need to feel included and a sense of community. I hope your community does not all look and think the same. I also hope that the lower ranks are not the only place where diversity is evident in your organization. This limits diverse input and influence as well as cripples your organizational culture.

Front and Center

Diversity is needed at every level of the organization to really be affective. You need it at the top in members of your management team. You really need it at the table where new ideas and solutions to problems are being brainstormed. And, you need it in the ranks where everyone is respected and accepted for the personal value they add to the organization. You need your diversity front and center. If I were to enter your organization would I find evidence that you value diversity of thought, diversity of perspective, and diversity of background? Or would I see one way of looking, one way of thinking, and one way of behaving around every corner? Put your diversity front and center starting today!

 

 

© 2017 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Liz Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the Founder of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations change attitudes, change communication dynamics, improve collaboration and problem-solving, engage employees, and strengthen organizational culture. Liz holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Liz by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.

 

Diversity, Leadership

Four Big Reasons You Need Diversity at the Table

file3551249323084

“Strength lies in differences, not similarities.” —Stephen Covey

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

Diversity

How do you come up with new ideas and solutions to problems? How do you make sure your thinking is representative of the real world? You bring diversity to the table, that’s how. There is so much value in bringing people with diverse experience, backgrounds, and perspectives to any situation. If you want to optimize your problem-solving; ability to challenge the status quo; adaptability; and perception of inclusion, build respect for diversity into your core values.

Problem-solving

Don Tapscott said, “Learning to collaborate is part of equipping yourself for effectiveness, problem-solving, innovation, and life-long learning in and ever-changing, networked economy.” When you learn to collaborate with others who DO NOT share your same perspective, you dramatically increase the odds of finding innovative solutions to problems. Diversity promotes creativity and opens the door to a world of new questions. It encourages healthy debate which leads to better decisions. It provides a new point-of-view from which to examine and tackle problems.

Status quo

Ronald Reagan quipped, “Status quo, you know, is Latin for ‘the mess we’re in’.” Diversity supports disruptive ideas and, disruptive ideas can be good. Some of the best ideas come when you disrupt the status quo. When you continually turn to those who share your same background and experiences, you get the same perspective and thus, the same results. Continually turning to the same perspective just reinforces the status quo. Diversity challenges and pushes back against this stagnation. If you want the best future, it needs to look different from the past. This requires embracing diversity, considering new points-of-view, and challenging the status quo.

Adaptability

According Marc Andreessen, “Adaptability is key.” Having diversity at the table is a significant factor in your organization’s ability to innovate and adapt to today’s fast changing operating environment. Adaptability has always been, and always will be essential to continued growth and prosperity. Diversity breeds innovation and adaptability which breed success. It brings with it a deeper level of understanding, experience, competencies, philosophies, and perspectives. Chances are that your customers are diverse and becoming more diverse every day. Bringing diversity to the table helps ensure that your thinking reflects the real world so you will be able to adapt as necessary and thrive.

Inclusion

Gary Hamel explained, “Today, no leader can afford to be indifferent to the challenge of engaging employees in the work of creating the future. Engagement may have been optional in the past, but it’s pretty much the whole game today.” Your workforce is diverse, and every employee needs a sense of inclusion. You need to ensure that the people who are going to be affected by decisions and will have the responsibility for implementation have a voice. If you are not intentionally including diversity, you are unintentionally excluding it. Inclusion removes perceived barriers and empowers employees. It increases buy-in and builds relationships. These relationships are the vehicle with which you get anything done as a leader.

Reap the Benefits

Albert Einstein believed, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” As great of an asset as your experience, knowledge, and background may be, these assets cause you to have biases, blinders, and a focus from one perspective. Bringing diversity to the table improves problem-solving, challenging of the status quo, adaptability, and inclusion. Learn to embrace diversity and you will reap the benefits.

How can you start bringing diversity to the table today?

 

 

© 2015 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Elizabeth Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Elizabeth holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.