by D. P. Noe

Created on: December 26, 2008   Last Updated: May 14, 2011

Understanding diversity starts with having a good sense of what your own values and ideas are. If you can recognize how your own values shape who you are, it is an important step in understanding diversity. The next step is having the ability to recognize that other individuals may not agree with your values or beliefs or even understand them is a step in the right direction to understanding the role of diversity in the workplace.

Successful managers know how important it is to get along with people from all cultural backgrounds. It takes skill to adapt to a variety of personalities with different working styles and cultural experiences. A smart and knowledgeable manager will concentrate on developing effective working relationships with all of their employees from various backgrounds. When a leader pushes themselves beyond their own comfort level, they are able to increase their knowledge and sensitivity to diversity issues.

Diversity in the workplace should focus on helping individuals from diverse backgrounds to succeed in an organization. It can be a very challenging situation for employees who are different from the majority to be successful. The leaders or managers in any organization have a challenging responsibility to help all employees succeed by actively showing appreciation for their contributions, and having a sensitivity to type of support that they need.

Management should have conversations with individuals if they feel their opportunities in the organization they are working for are limited. If management identifies any individuals that may not feel comfortable talking about issues with them, then refer them to other individuals in the organization so they can honestly share how they feel.

Managers or leaders in an organization should look at their management style. They have the responsibility of creating an environment where employees feel it is safe to voice their concerns. There needs to be a strong message that it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. All employees from every background, culture, gender or age should feel safe to ask for help and that there is value to their input. This type of communication exchange will help the organization to grow and be successful.

Managers should keep a watchful eye that individuals are not grouping themselves according to gender or ethnic backgrounds, or level of job function. There is a natural tendency for this to occur, but it is not beneficial to the employees or to an organization

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>