The diversity definition refers to the spectrum of characteristics within a group of people. These characteristics encompass everything that makes us unique, such as how we process information, our personality traits, along with the things that shape our identity.
While the first things that come to mind when we talk about diversity are race, age, sexuality and gender, there’s more than that. Things like, experiences, talents, skills, opinions, and personalities.
These differences, an individuals’ talents for example, are less obvious and require the attention and effort of leaders within an organisation, to reveal, explore and celebrate.
Our truth at work begins to be exposed when we feel able to rely on our leaders for guidance and support. This means our leaders must keep working on their knowledge and skills to enable a momentum of change and growth.
Within a learning organisation, leaders and team members alike are encouraged to grow and develop, this moves us away from routine, and supports the unearthing of our innate talent.
Growth activities can be: attending workshops, being given a voice in team or company meetings, attaining qualifications, designing or leading a new project, or simply being provided the space and freedom to share experiences through the power of storytelling.
Creating development plans that provide cross-training, aims to increase a persons’ awareness and practical knowledge of the business, and helps them work more effectively with others because they have a new understanding of what other people do within the company. Affording this type of development also creates energy and excitement in the workplace.
Communicating the company vision and sharing strategic insight across the broader business,provides an understanding of where an organisation is going and how each person holds a place within that.
We want our people to strive, to venture and imagine their own success amongst that of the business.
In this way, our business invests in its future and that of our people, by providing the kind of environment in which everyone is encouraged to seek their potential.
