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#12 Diversity of Thought: A Starting Point of True Diversity & Inclusion

Season #1 Episode #12

 

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Summary:

Diversity and Inclusion are popular goals and strategies being talked about in various organizations and we all use the words like we know what all it encompasses, but I don’t think people in general truly understand the concepts nor how to live them out.  

Diversity in the workplace is about representation of varying personalities, beliefs, ethnicities, and cultures. Inclusion is about integration. Inclusion in the workplace means that all of those diverse personalities, beliefs, ethnicities, and cultures represented are of equal importance and value in the organization.

Diversity, Inclusion, and just overall cultural competency is a massive elephant to digest because it taps into the core beliefs of people as individuals. So how do you eat an elephant? The answer… One bite at a time. This episode takes the first bite of that diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency elephant by talking about the foundational core of it… diversity of thought and why having varying perspectives is important. And remember, this is just the starter conversation to prime the pump of our thinking when it comes to the overall need for diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency. 

There are three reasons why diversity of thought is so extremely important in the workplace: 

  1. the nature of our work has changed over the millennia, centuries, and now decades. 
  2. you need diversity of thought for true creative problem-solving and innovation to happen 
  3. how a company promotes or represses diversity of thought reveals the health of its culture.

Application:

There are 4 ways to be intentional in fostering diversity of thought: 

  1. Build a culture around the golden rule: treat others the way you would want to be treated
  2. Use common sense in looking for and seeking out diverse thoughts and perspectives 
  3. Build a culture of safety so people can bring their whole selves to work
  4. Tie the work of the team to the WHY (vision and bigger purpose)

References: 

  • Brown. Brené. (2018). Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. New York: Random House
  • Gordon, Jon. (2018). The Power of a Positive Team. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 
  • Pink, Daniel. (2006). A Whole New Mind. New York: Penguin Group.
  • Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.