Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.Romans 12:16
Manages all kinds and classes of people equitably
Deals effectively with all races, nationalities, cultures, disabilities, ages and both sexes
Brings in a variety and diversity of staff without regard to their background or heritage
Supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all people no matter what their background, race, gender, age or education
“It is not best that we should all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse races.”
– Mark Twain
Not effective with groups much different from oneself
May be uncomfortable interacting with those not like oneself
May act inappropriately with those different from oneself
Defensive with outsiders, not trusting them or including them
Avoids conflict and the challenges of differing views and agendas
Doesn’t understand the value of diversity
May carry around negative and demeaning stereotypes about other groups, ethnicities or cultures
How do you intentionally draw out and honor the diversity of ideas, experiences and culture of your staff?
Causes of Weakness
Is uncomfortable interacting with groups of people who are different from oneself
Believes in diversity, but does not know what to do – does not understand how diversity helps
Narrow and rigid in their way of thinking about the ‘correct’ way of doing things
Thinks diversity means having double standards or being inconsistent in demonstrating one’s values and beliefs
Doesn't Like 'New'
Uncomfortable with ways of doing things that are new and/or different
What is one thing you can do with your team that will help them to understand and appreciate each other’s unique background and diversity?
Review the simple application steps below and choose 1 or 2 things you can do to spur yourself on to further growth.
Level the Field
LEVEL THE FIELD: For people who have had less exposure to other cultures and a broader way of doing things… consider giving them opportunities for more orientation, more training, and more cultural exposure. Also be more patient and understanding with them.
STEREOTYPES: Understand and correct your own subtle stereotyping. Do you think redheads have bad tempers? Blondes have more fun? Overweight people are lazy? Women are more emotional at work? Men can’t show emotion? Find out your own pattern. Attend a course which delves into perception of others. Is there a group or groups you don’t like or are uncomfortable with? Do you judge individual members of that group without really knowing if your stereotype is true?
LEVERAGE DIVERSITY: Diversity of viewpoint, background, education, culture, experience, and beliefs can all help produce a superior result from a team. Put diversity to the test yourself; attack problems with diverse teams, pull in the widest array of thinking you can and see if you get better results. Assemble the most diverse team you can who have the skills to do the job but otherwise are different. Consciously spend more of your time with people around you who are different. Solicit the points of view of each person. How do those background differences lead to viewing problems differently?
GAIN MORE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Talk to people in your team, neighborhood or community who are different in some way than you. Go to lunch with them. Go to a popular sporting event or cultural event. Exchange views. Discuss ethnic festivals in your cultures. Sample each other’s foods. Learn about other’s costumes and their crafts. Study their history or language. Talk to them.