The Power of Diversity

Medical science recognizes the importance of diversity to the health of all living things.  Reduce the amount of diversity by any one of a number of factors and over time organisms become weaker in their ability to face new threats.

The same is true for social organisms, whether with friends or business.  Yet many social organizations appear to ignore this fact.  We as individuals seem to purposely look for situations where we are among those whom are most like us.  The exact opposite of what nature tells us we should be doing.

Much of the conflict I see in U.S. based business is caused by people with different backgrounds, experiences, and personalities.  Any surprise here?  Yet somehow this is viewed as negative.  Rather than embracing diversity of backgrounds, skills, or opinions as the secret to success it is, U.S. businesses seem to strive to eliminate it. 

A new year a new beginning.  Make it a New Years resolution to personally thank all of the people whom have at one time or another last year gave you grief, or otherwise represented a diverse view.  Then encourage them to join you in fostering diversity as the means for maintaining a strong and vibrant business community.

Comments

[ThePef]

I always wanted to go into a meeting and seek opposite opinions. If everyone just nodded their heads to my recommendation, I felt worried; worried that I have not consulted a diverse enough group to ground my recommendation. Dissenting opinion is important in the refinement of strategic plans and goals.

So, I say for the New Year, we should all do what Larry suggests, which is look for the dissenting opinion and force yourself to argue your merits. Who knows you may be wrong, and you may actually learn something.

[Gene Rowland]

While diversity is wonderful to have, sometimes we reach a point where all the parties are too closely aligned; internal politics, shared experiences, and loyalties take over. It may require forcing the available group to critically analyze the issue in an environment where even minor disagreement is encouraged and considered.

Sometimes this requires careful listening skills to pick out the nuances where someone has another opinion, but is reluctant to share it. Or, ask the group to play devil's advocate and try to see it from other positions (customer, supplier, shareholder, etc.). And, do not allow the discussion to end until you are sure the idea has been thought thru at the detail level. I recently went through 5 difficult meetings with users only to have the one true hindrance surface - the available space on the serial number label. (Smaller font fixed it, but it was a show-stopper.)

I see lack of diversity and intolerance as one and the same. I want to find a bumper sticker - "Never ever tolerate intolerance"