Leaders frequently ask me why they should care at all about diversity. My answer is usually related to building self-awareness and using diversity as a tool to help the organization move forward positively. Certain policies and behaviors lead in one direction while others create different results. The outcome is up to each company. Think about the following outcomes when thinking about how to increase self-awareness and create a diversity-friendly environment, these are the potential payoffs for your company of paying attention to diversity.
1. Increased trust.
2. Greater collaboration.
3. Resolution of differences.
4. Improved communication.
5. Better staff cohesion.
Now think of the effects of each of these five outcomes and project what each of them might do for your company’s bottom line. Imagine if your company excels in even one area. What would happen if it achieved all five?
Companies who commit to developing self-awareness and making diversity a positive force in the workplace reap substantial benefits because they get rid obstacles to success. The good news is that organizations can move in this direction at any time by planning and implementing a diversity strategy that, over time, leads to the outcomes we’ve listed. All it takes is sustained effort and commitment.
What will you do to increase self-awareness and promote diversity in your workplace?
Cheers,
Guy