Importance Of Diversity In Shaping The Leaders Of Tomorrow
As many as 80% of the workforce unanimously agree that they would want to work for a company that values diversity and inclusivity. Students from diverse backgrounds in all undergraduate programs in the USA have seen a positive rise from 29% in 1995 to 45% in 2015.
The need for diversity in all facets of our society is not even in question anymore. Creating a community of diverse individuals is the key to its long-term success and thriving culture. A diverse group of people fosters a multicultural environment that helps them grow.
Such diverse communities create leaders of tomorrow. Leaders that are compassionate, wise, and experienced. Diversity and inclusivity need to be integrated into our environment from the grassroots level all the way up to the highest stage.
Why diversity matters
A diverse group merely means one that includes people from a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and nationalities. The idea is to give everyone an equal platform to learn and be represented.
People can learn from each other and understand their viewpoints better when they learn in a diverse group. A person who may be ignorant of the struggles of another person gets the chance to learn about them in a personal setting.
A varied group offers a better range of viewpoints, skills that power the success of an organisation. A wider perspective leads to better brainstorming and problem-solving. It also brings a better possibility for the best person to be chosen for a job.
What a diverse leadership team brings to the table
Having a group of people working together that come from different backgrounds brings innovation and creativity in every step of a process. People bring unique ideas and different viewpoints for the same situation. It gives it a dynamic view and better odds of solving it.
This promotes teamwork and increased productivity. This directly leads to better revenues and the service you provide. A diverse, happy group also promotes a healthier work environment. People gel well together and help their colleagues perform better.
People working under a diverse leadership group feel encouraged to speak their minds — both about ideas that contribute to the group and any problems they might be facing. They know that their voice will be heard, prompting them to speak their minds without fear.
Lastly, such an environment promotes personal growth in earnest. Knowing that they are accepted in a group allows employees to be their authentic selves. They will be willing to do more and be up for new challenges. They can learn and grow without inhibitions when they know they are valued in their community.
How to bring a change
Tomorrow’s leaders need to be part of diverse teams today. You should strive to bring inclusivity to your workplace. Start with laying the groundwork for inclusivity in your company policies. Review them to see where they stand on it and amend them if they lack in that aspect.
Next, educate all your team leaders on the importance of diversity. Ask them to take small steps in daily operations to engage everyone in their team equally. Organise discussions where you invite ideas from your employees about the change they want to see.
Allow them to speak with freedom and keep an open mind. Allow them time off work for religious holidays that may not be celebrated in your company. Encourage them to volunteer for community programs that will help broaden their understanding in a practical setting.
Final words
Diverse organisations are 35% more likely to outperform their peers. Diversity in a workplace, classroom, and community is not just a need, it is the ideal that should be in place. Remember that this is a continuous process that takes time and effort to be put into practice.
Introducing such concepts at the most basic stage is the key. It helps groom better learners and produce future leaders. It helps instill compassion in learners. Most importantly, it creates a culture that is open-minded, balanced, and enriching.
