An Observation on Diversity

Diversity, as many of us know, is a hot topic, particularly in the workplace.  It is difficult to define.  It is difficult to leverage.  It is difficult to incorporate.  More of an organic mindset and mantra than a policy, the goal of diversity in the workplace is to make it an inclusive workplace.  Properly placed in an organization, it does not constitute any type of "special treatment" for minorities.  To the contrary, when properly placed in an organization, diversity initiatives can lift obstacles for all members of the organizations and allow them to contribute fully.  Diversity does not focus on preferential treatment of minorities, rather it focuses on equal treatment for all employees.  Diversity is about creating a safe place in the workplace where every employee can feel understood and valued.

But diversity has a real recognizable value to any organization.  By empowering all people to feel trusted, valued and respected, the organization creates fertile ground for initiative and active contribution.

Recently I had an eye opening experience in a meeting of my peers on the management team.  We have recently created the role of Team Leads, who act as supervisors of sorts, on each team.  Each manager has a Team Lead who assists with day to day leadership of the team, coaching team members and handling scheduling and escalations.  Our team leads are individuals who have distinguished themselves among their peers for higher technical knowledge, a high level of accountability and professionalism and a proven track record.  The striking moment came to me when I realized that out of the six team leaders, four were foreign born.  As I sat in the meeting, listening to them take turns presenting the wins and challenges of their teams, I reflected on what important assets we would have been denied in our organization if we we had not created an environment where diversity was encouraged and these important members of the team weren't able to bring themselves to the office with everything they had!