Diversity | A Call for Courage

How we relate to diversity influences each relationship, process and outcome.

Appreciating diversity has become a mantra in industry where its meaning is often limited to compliance, economic drivers and market perception. When recently asked to speak to a leadership class on the topic, I spent several minutes thinking about corporate diversity programs, case validation, and strategies to develop and promote them. Such programs are important but only successful when we view diversity at a deeper level than head counts, risk management and gaining a competitive edge.

On the heels of my initial thoughts, I reflected on the current state of our domestic and international relations. Clearly, the hostile rhetoric and escalating tensions are evidence of more shouting than listening, and more blaming than accountability.

For those who claim to welcome diversity, consider how we handle diversity of thought and opinions when the color of our skin, our age or gender, function within a group, or other obvious differences do not flag our awareness to be receptive. All we have to do is listen to the local news for five minutes to recognize that we are opposing rather than appreciating diversity, within ourselves and others.

We design the constructs of our relationships to prevent conflict. There is no talking of politics, religion or anything else that might disrupt a business deal or friendly get-together. Instead of appreciating the differences in our relationships with others, we pretend they don't exist. Or worse, we lose the best of ourselves by conforming to gain acceptance.

Are we so afraid of losing or disrupting the illusion of our tidy world that we allow only 'what we know' to define our relationship to it? or are we willing to truly hear and appreciate another position that may lead us to think about a person or thing differently? His/her ideals may disagree with a long-held 'knowing' but at the same time, lead to rich opportunities for peace/resolution? If we choose the latter, we are free to recognize our resistance and mentally shift to release generalizations and inaccurate assumptions only distancing us from the means and ends we all claim to treasure.

We can start one moment at a time by being aware of our judgments of another. Don't let the need to be right guide your interaction. Assigning the right or wrong labels is a trap that only leads to frustration, anxiety, blame, guilt, and shame - all products of judgment. None of which are useful in a constructive world.

So the next time you assess a situation, put aside assumptions and be open to insights that are not your own - the true value of diversity. When you collaborate with another, set aside your own opinions (thoughts and words) and just be present with the person next to you. You will be amazed by the quality of information, the trust gained in that relationship, and the possibilities this awareness brings to meeting the needs at hand.

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.   —Nelson Mandela  

Thanks for reading. Now off to create that presentation.

Be patient and kind with yourself and others, especially when the stakes are high.

Now more than ever, a new year brings an opportunity to reflect on past lessons and to create what we want for 2012 and beyond. For me, I intend to live a productive and fulfilling life and know that everyone I meet holds that desire, no matter our race, creed, political party, status or any other social construct that seemingly divides us. So why is finding common ground so elusive with so much at stake? 

When it comes to the biggest, most important decisions of our lives, individually and together, we often forget that there is always a way to bring common needs and understanding to the table instead of the battle gear we bring instead.

Listening for needs - with a common goal of meeting them - will solve the growing divisive rift threatening our civil system and feeding unrest within our communities and organizations. Surely if warlords from tribal nations can find common ground for living in peace to enable their cultures to thrive, a super power nation and its parts can do the same.

I'm not a political scientist or economist, only an individual connected to the whole who wants to enjoy a fruitful life and make way for others to do the same. How will you serve this year?

"That service is the noblest which is rendered for its own sake." - Mohandas Gandhi