Marcia's Leadership Q and As: Leaders’ Role in Diversity

Q. Our organization is expanding, and management wonders how to address diversity as we grow?

A. First, the management discussion should not only be words that stall. Clarity of your purpose, defining diversity and how it currently shows up in your company, your future vision, the plan you create, and the policies and actions you put into place are critical. 

Second, placing people in roles based on competency and character is also essential. This decision can lead to hard discussions. Do you put someone in a role to make your policy for diversity effective. Or is someone else a better fit? 

Third, really consider all diversity. It is race, gender, age, cultural backgrounds, social, ethical, financial backgrounds, political, disabled, and more. There’s are some diverse traits you may not be aware of unless employees or candidates share them. 

Everyone is special, and each is a natural leader. Consider your leadership role is to create a workplace where everyone can contribute, support each other as a team, and serve your customers together. Be mindful of having diverse ideas, people, and opportunities to be able to optimize your system/company.