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Diversity
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By Tanya Chisholm
Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.
Diversity. We see and hear this term all the time in Corporate America.
What is diversity? Webster defines diversity as: the fact of quality
of being diverse; difference; a point or respect in which things differ.
Simply put, diversity is all the unique attributes, talents and
experiences that everyone brings to the workplace. Some of these
differences, such as race and gender, may be apparent. But diversity also
includes less obvious differences, such as cultural background, religion,
education and lifestyles. Every employee’s unique set of backgrounds and
experiences brings a perception and view point that no one else can.
Successful companies understand that these varying perceptions are critical
to sustained performance in today’s increasingly global business market.
Consider PepsiCo’s example.
According to the latest HR Magazine, when PepsiCo decided to develop
guacamole-flavored tortilla chips, it called on Adelante - the Latino
Employee Network at Frito-Lay. They provided feedback on the taste and
packaging to help ensure that the product would be regarded as authentic in
the Latino community. The Adelante members’ insights helped make the
guacamole-flavored Doritos one of the most successful new-product launches
in the company’s history, generating more than $100 million in sales in its
first year alone.
Finding
creative solutions, developing effective marketing strategies and providing
world-class customer service are possible only when competing ideas are
shared, explored and considered. But for ideas to be shared, they must
first be welcomed. Attracting and keeping the best
employees means offering them a workplace where differences are not simply
tolerated, but embraced; where treating others with respect and dignity is
the core value of the organization. Employees should feel free to be
themselves; to express to and explore with others both the differences and
similarities they share. Effective diversity efforts focus on creating this
environment such that no viewpoint or opinion is overlooked in the
organization’s effort to meet its business goals and objectives. When all
employees are engaged and have a hand in the organization’s success, they
are working together toward the best interest of the common good. As a
result, all feel valued and welcomed.
We all
are unique and different, therefore each one of us thinks, works and acts
differently when presented with the same set of circumstances. When
utilized and encouraged, this variety leads to the best of ideas, the
clearest understanding of issues, and the most efficient processes.
Diversity allows a company to unlock its full potential, and allows its
employees to achieve their personal and team goals together.
For more information about
Ken Chapman and Associates’ Leadership Development Programs, contact Ken
Chapman at 205.366.0265 or email Ken at
kchapman@leaderscode.com.
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