As a New Englander for the past 20 years, each fall I marvel at the breathtaking colors of the season. The trees come alive and defy description as they show their God-given beauty.
As I take my daily walk on a local bike path, I find myself getting lost in the magic of the season – intoxicated by the beauty that surrounds me. Nature enlivens my senses. Each leaf is radiant, but each one is different than the rest. And, I find enjoy their uniqueness.
It was on my daily walk while looking at the leaves when a rather simple thought hit me: “It is ok to be different.” What a profound thought. The colors of the sunset vary each day, as we view different sizes, shapes and colors of clouds.
The fall is a teacher, and we are the students. The lesson is that it is ok to be different. The shades and color of each tree, plant, flower and leaf are wonderfully different and special. In fact, their individuality amazes us!
It is a statement of fact – we all are different. Our very DNA makes up the distinctive characteristics or qualities of who we are. Today, there are more than 7 billion people in the world, all different, yet somewhat similar.
It has been stated that one of the paths to joy and pleasure is to commit to understand others. Valuing the similarities and differences in others is the heart of wisdom. It is a given that the world is diverse.
In our industry, the customers we serve are diverse and cultures around the world are our potential customers, are different. Valuing differences is a lens for appreciating, seeking, identifying, developing and advancing the diverse talent in your organization and in our industry.
Indeed, diversity is the way to increase cultural awareness and competence within your workforce. Diversity starts with diversity of thought.
“We need to reach that happy state of our development when differences and diversity are not seen as sources of division and distrust, but of strength and inspiration.” – Josefa Iloilo, former president of Fiji
Diversity is magic. And the key to how great we can become. The true meaning of diversity is the mosaic of people who bring to the workplace a variety of backgrounds, education, work styles, perspectives, values, points of view and beliefs as assets to your organization.
A corporate culture that embraces diversity supports and values the contribution of people with differences. Workplace diversity is indeed a strength; it provides an opportunity to reach out and discover the amazing commonalities beneath the surface of differences.
The companies with the best talent win. Yet, let us all remember that talent comes in many packages. People with varied backgrounds, colors, ages, shapes and sizes have important skills and aspirations. Keeping an open mind may be the the key to hiring the best and brightest.
Diversity is a mindset, not just a strategic imperative. By not taking steps to include people that are different, we unintentionally exclude them.
“Diversity and independence are important because the best collective decisions are the product of disagreement and contest, not consensus or compromise.” – James Surowiecki, American journalist
