Learn to Embrace the Tension of Diversity

Author: Marshall Goldsmith
Publication Date: June 16, 2010
Key Concept: The importance and impact of cultural and thought diversity in the workplace.
Main Thesis: Diversity is a powerful resource that, when managed properly, can lead to innovation and success in organizations.

Rich Resource
- Diversity in culture and thought enriches organizations.
- Differences can include:
  - Ideas
  - Methods
  - Motivations
  - Competencies
- Potential benefits: Building great organizations by leveraging diverse perspectives.
Double-edged Sword
- Cross-cultural exchanges can lead to misunderstandings and cultural blunders.
- As organizations expand globally, the diversity of the workforce increases, leading to both challenges and opportunities.
Leadership's Role
- Effective leadership involves:
  - Comfort with "diversity tension"
  - The ability to make quality decisions amid varied identities, pressures, and similarities.

Definition of Diversity Tension
- Diversity tension refers to the stress and strain that arises from mixing differences and similarities, particularly in multicultural environments.
- Leaders must embrace this tension as a creative force for change rather than seek to minimize it.

Initial Steps for Leaders
- Avoid making assumptions about cultural backgrounds.
- Gain an understanding of:
  - Historical, political, and economic references affecting workplace diversity.
  - How diversity influences worldviews, communication styles, and ethical considerations.
Key Aspects to Acknowledge
- Recognition of various cultural factors that shape employees' behavior:
  - Leadership and Work Style:
  - Formal vs. informal approaches.
  - Decision-Making Styles:
  - Intuitive vs. analytical methods.
  - Information-Sharing Preferences:
  - Preferences for written, oral, in-person, text, email, or video communication.
  - Motivations:
  - Factors such as power, achievement, affiliation, and financial incentives.
- It is crucial to respect and accept differing methods of achieving goals.

Advancing Diversity in Teams
- Inclusive Environment:
  - Create workplaces where all employees feel welcomed and valued for their contributions.
- Recognition and Reward:
  - Celebrate successes that arise from valuing diverse perspectives.
- Assessment of Strengths:
  - Evaluate learning styles and strengths to better utilize team capabilities.
- Inclusivity in Decision-Making:
  - Involve diverse individuals in problem-solving processes.
- Utilization of Skills:
  - Capitalize on complementary skills, backgrounds, and cultural insights.
- Addressing Unacceptable Behavior:
  - Confront stereotypes and prejudiced actions, fostering a respectful atmosphere.
- Diversity Training:
  - Encourage participation in training programs focused on diversity and inclusion.
- Personal Connections:
  - Engage with a variety of individuals both professionally and personally to understand diverse perspectives.

Innovation Through Diversity
- Viewing diversity tension positively allows teams to:
  - Produce effective brainstorming sessions.
  - Engage in imaginative problem-solving and decision making.
  - Generate unique insights during strategic planning processes.
  - Inspire creative product development ideas.
Organizational Benefits
- A diverse workforce enhances overall organizational performance and is vital for success in a global marketplace.

Marshall Goldsmith's Credentials:
- Recognized as a leading executive educator and coach, author of multiple books including "What Got You Here Won’t Get You There" and "MOJO."
- His insights emphasize the significance of diversity and its thoughtful integration into organizational culture for enhanced productivity and innovation.