Modern workforces are becoming increasingly diverse, as leaders strive to include more people with varied experiences, backgrounds and cultures into the workplace environment. It’s no secret that such an array of workers can generate a host of ideas and solutions, opening up the opportunity for more dynamic growth and creativity in projects, as well as the company as a whole.
However, making sure voices are encouraged and heard requires the right culture and leadership efforts. To help steer you onto the right path, we asked members of Forbes Coaches Council to share the best ways for leaders to better embrace and encourage diversity in the workplace. Here’s what council members said:
1. Problem-Solve Collaboratively
Diversity spans thought, ideas, solutions, lived experiences, cultural exposure, language and so much more. Establishing hands-on collaborative problem-solving, from individual idea generation through to synthesized optimal strategy-focused team solution development, is a pragmatic way to ensure diversity is embraced in a meaningful way. A lean approach of waste reduction lends to the holistic framework. - Kasthuri Henry, KasHenry Inc.
2. Connect With Compelling Reasons
Diversity won't happen unless it becomes a priority equal to or greater in importance than any other issue facing the business. Human beings will do extraordinary things when they are fully committed to something. The unlock for diversity, equity and inclusion is for leaders to examine and shift their own beliefs, and to identify and connect with a compelling reason for why diversity matters. - Darren Gold, The Trium Group
3. Welcome Different Perspectives
The best way to encourage leaders is to embrace outer and inner perspectives. The outer perspective is to inform them about diverse initiatives that eliminate stereotypes and gives alternatives. With the inner perspective, it’s important to develop the leaders' emotional intelligence, equipping them with empathetic skills and involving them in “walk in other’s shoes" activities. - Naira Velumyan, Academy of Social Competency
4. Embrace Generations
Acknowledge the differences between the five generations in today's workforce, and celebrate and leverage the commonality. Successfully balancing five different value structures isn't accomplished by putting leadership on autopilot. Embrace what each generation brings to the organization and create cross-generational teams, so that each can mentor and learn from the other. - Phil Gafka, LEAP Coaching
5. Distribute The Responsibility
Diversity is not simply a top-down organizational initiative. Research shows that when leaders distribute the responsibility of developing diversity throughout the organization, there are measurable business gains. By including diversity as part of a company's mission statement, business strategy and day-to-day practices, organizations will gain a competitive business advantage. - Lydia Loizides, Talentedly
Read more in The CEO's Role In Culture Management
6. Notice Who’s Missing
Try this simple exercise. Every time you walk into a meeting, look around the table. Just notice. Who's there? What's the mix? How many men versus women? How many ethnicities are present? Does the makeup of the group feel and seem diverse to you? Who's missing? Just noticing will raise your awareness. With that awareness, you may find yourself opening up the room—and new opportunities—to others. - Joelle Jay, LRI
7. Seek Understanding
To embrace something, one must first understand it. Perception is based on our experiences, culture and senses. If we develop our curiosity about people or things with which we have not interacted in the past, we can discover that we all are more alike than we are different. Leaders must encourage exploration by promoting a curiosity-based culture. - Diane Hamilton, Tonerra
8. Share Role Models
Have each person describe someone very different from themselves—either based on culture, personality, occupation, etc.—that they admire or use as a role model. Have them describe why they are a role model and their unique gifts and talents. Then, make the link to the diverse workplace and how those unique qualities could advance the company. - Mark Samuel, IMPAQ
9. Gain Experience
The best way to change any behavior is through action or life experience. This is hard, but dig deep and think of a way to one, let leaders live a day in diversity, and two, find a way for leaders to emotionally feel the benefits of diversity firsthand. Experiential learning is the best kind of learning. Think hard! - Bill Hall, Simulation Studios
