Expert Forum

Greater diversity in the workplace introduces the possibility for increased misunderstanding and conflict at the same time as it holds out the promise of creativity and innovation.  Workplace diversity change leaders have learned that making diversity work cannot be taken for granted.  We cannot automatically assume that people will engage well with others across differences.  Our history with bias, inequity and exclusion remains too much a part of how we understand one another.    Read more

This year, 2011, will mark continued progress in the recognition of those of us who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender as authentic persons with whole lives.  According to the latest Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equity Index, 85% of Fortune 500 companies’ non-discrimination policies include “sexual orientation” and 43% include “gender identity.”  Partner benefits are offered by a majority, 57%, of Fortune 500’s, and 41% offer at least one transgender-inclusive health-related benefit. Read more

Diversity of thought—the idea of more-than-one-way— is key to understanding the potential of diversity and inclusion as an organizational resource. The way each of us interprets and negotiates the world around us is informed by our identity, culture and experience. Greater diversity means greater variation in perspectives and approaches. Yet the potential of this resource is often mismanaged and overlooked. To further the conversation, this paper suggests three factors organizational leadership might consider.  . Read more

Conflict is like a puzzle. Every party brings a piece. The key is discovering the pieces to put them together. Success is in the conversation! Opportunity is nowhere!

Conflict is like a puzzle. Every party brings a piece. The key is discovering the pieces to put them together. Success is in the conversation! Opportunity is now here!
Read more

Much has been written about the critical role of top organizational leadership in diversity change. Leadership must understand the nature of the change initiative, articulate its strategic significance, authorize resources, compel accountability, and model consistency. We like to recall a simple encounter at a company dinner dance.  Read more

In the workplace, the keys to making diversity work lie in relationship and learning from difference. Diversity practitioners realize that we each interpret the world through the lens of our own diversity and experience.

Diversity of thought and experience lie at the heart of the value proposition of diversity and also pose one of the greatest challenges. The greater the diversity of the workforce, the greater the potential for misunderstanding and conflict.  Read more