Simply having a diverse workplace doesn't automatically translate into organizational benefits. To reap the benefits of diversity requires unifying the uniqueness across an organization, which comes from effective leadership and diversity management. Consider the following four suggestions:
1. BE CLEAR-EYED
Understand how different types of workplace diversity may interact across different organizational contexts. And recognize both the benefits and the challenges diversity can bring (including how to effectively address unconscious bias).
2. USE A BROAD LENS OF INCLUSION
Adopt an organizational perspective that treats diversity as a key learning resource for accomplishing work across an organization, and emphasize diversity that is broadly inclusive of both minority and majority groups.
3. EMBRACE DIVERSITY AS A CONTACT SPORT
4. HELP PEOPLE BUILD THEIR TOOLKITS
Equip people with readily applicable skills in diversity and inclusion to increase their effectiveness in working with co-workers from different backgrounds.
Changing demographics are increasing diversity in talent pools and customer markets. Those organizations that are most effective at unifying the uniqueness of people across an organization pave the way for building a foundation and creating an environment where diversity can thrive, helping business to thrive.
Let's work together to help your organization capitalize on the competitive benefits of diversity by using inclusive leadership and effective diversity management to bring diverse people together to achieve great things together.