If you want to create more diversity, you can’t just play the numbers game. You have to shape the attitudes and tendencies of people in the organisation, from the top down and the bottom up. You have to foster an environment free of subtle advantages and subtle disadvantages so that all employees work on a fair and level playing field. True diversity requires changes in unconscious attitudes.
Beware of Noah’s Ark – We may be pleased that our company has hired people from various countries of origin, but we should really be focusing on how everyone is reacting to each other. Most companies have the pieces of diversity in place – the animals in the ark – but haven’t achieved a place where “like” and “not like” are treated the same.
Think about the people on your team – watch closely the things that happen in your team and be prepared to do something different to keep the playing field level.
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Be fair and equal with access, knowledge, and feedback – evaluate who you meet and how often you spend with them. Frequency is key, especially for those unlike you. It lowers
barriers and resets habits.
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