Leaders have a special responsibility toward diversity. Not only must we develop ourselves to handle the many diverse situations that occur in the workplace, we are also required to help create a climate that values diversity and fairness. Some leaders are unable to separate diversity from the policies made to protect it. They focus only on making sure they are following policies and are within the law. Keeping with the policies is important but it is only the beginning. Laws ensure people are treated fairly at work. But it is your leadership, not laws and regulations, that enables your employees to work together successfully.[1] Diversity should be a positive and useful way of doing business. When leaders spend time learning about the creative possibilities that differences bring and take advantage of the differences, they become diversity leaders. Diversity leaders think of differences as opportunities rather than threats. Diverse outlooks create some of the most powerful and innovative ideasThe saying two heads are better than one stems from the idea that each person has something to offer that will create a better result.[2] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] Lieberman, Simma. (2003). Putting Diversity to Work: How to Successful Lead a Diverse Workforce. Menlo Park, CA: Course Technology Crisp. P. 38. [2] Lieberman, (2003): p. 43. |
