Today’s workplace is full of diversity and that’s a good thing. But some managers think this makes it more difficult to manage, needing to meet the varied expectations of such a diverse group. While that may be true in certain situations, for the most part I think there’s just one kind of folks in that diverse mix. Folks. And most folks respond to the same basic principles:
· Treat people fairly
· Listen to their concerns
· Recognize them as individuals
· Show everyone trust and respect
· Treat each the way you want to be treated.
Diversity today broadly includes sex, age, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, mental illness or ability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, sex characteristics, religion, creed, or individual political opinions. While that might seem like a lot of differences to accommodate, the reality is that everyone just wants to be listened to and treated fairly and respectfully. Research has found that a diverse workforce is more likely to understand your customers' needs and come up with ideas to fulfill them; it can also increase employee morale and instill a desire to be more effective and work more efficiently. Interestingly, they all know, understand, and appreciate the Golden Rule and the importance of treating others the way they want to be treated. That being the case, make it the rule you follow with all of your folks today.
Harper Lee (1926 – 2016): American novelist best known for her Pulitzer Prize winning 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird. In 2007, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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