Managing Diversity

Many managers lead teams made of individuals from different cultures, heterogeneous mixes, and differing demographics. They should continuously work to increase their own multicultural awareness and skills to lead such teams effectively.

 Managing diversity can include the following approaches:

• Recognize that diversity will bring a greater skills base when managed properly
• Improve the overall climate on diverse teams in order to improve satisfaction, reduce conflicts, and improve team member retention
• Encourage creativity, flexibility, and innovation among the team members which will allow the injection of new ideas and challenge the normal organizational mindsets

Managing diversity provides greater opportunities for teams to perform better and develop greater strategic awareness, which enables them to be more innovative and responsive.

Typical presenting issues that suggest Managing Diversity should be explored:

• Complaints or grievances regarding possible multi-cultural differences among co-workers (e.g., style, approach, language usage, personal space)
• Team composition becomes more diverse
• Pattern of complaints or concerns about trust, respect, communication, expectations
• Interpersonal conflicts that escalate or drag on
• Frequent “Us-Them” references in the everyday conversations of organization members
• Climate of tension
• High turnover