25.11.2019

Diversity: Why it is so critical for a successful leader

by Bill Mann – ‘The Keep Calm Guy’

The importance of diversity and inclusion increasingly dominates the media. Social and business groups, networks, and high-profile campaigners continue to positively raise the profile and the argument in both cases. There are numerous organisations supporting equality for women in the workplace, equality for ethnic groups, inclusion of people of all abilities, religions, cultures, and gender identity.

The moral arguments are overwhelming and as society demands that minority groups are treated fairly and given equal opportunities, businesses across the globe are recognising they have to evolve and respond. Just look at the shift in marketing and advertising. Any form of discrimination or bias is no longer accepted, and diversity and inclusion are used positively to promote brands.

But let’s bring this closer to home.  What does this mean for your business and for you as a leader?

The Bottom Line

Diversity and inclusion are not just a political and social imperative.  A business should not respond just because they feel they have to or need to be seen to. Diversity and inclusion have solid, proven, business benefits:

-Perspectives and breadth of views.  A diverse team will not only bring fresh perspectives but a broad range of views and opinions that could otherwise be overlooked with disastrous consequences.

-Problem solving & decision making. The Harvard Business Review found that diverse teams are able to solve problems quicker than teams of cognitively similar people.  Similarly, research has shown that diverse teams will reach better more effective decisions.

-Creativity and innovation. A range of perspectives and experiences leads to greater creativity and innovation.  Diverse and inclusive companies are more likely to be innovation leaders in their industry.

-Engagement and retention. When employees feel included, valued, and accepted they are more engaged. They will stay longer. Diverse and inclusive businesses have higher retention rates.

What this means for the leader

Conscious and unconscious bias in recruitment is widely recognised.  We tend to recruit people that we have affinity with, who affirm our views, and conform to our expectations. This leads to teams that share similar views, often supporting and reinforcing the opinions and decisions of the leader. Many leaders will not recruit people whose skills and experience they see as a threat.  Those that understand a strong team will support their success will look for people that will positively endorse their decisions. A diverse team has direct benefits for the leader:

-Strength in all its forms.  There are different types of strength – analytical, empathetic, decisive, creative, innovative, and so on.  Only with diversity will you create the strongest team.

-Representation.  Without diversity how can you understand your whole customer base, or even your whole employee base? The views and perspectives of a diverse team are critical.

-Stay fresh. Maintaining an open mind, considering new ideas, accepting different personality types and different ways of thinking. A diverse team will challenge you and you will grow because of it.

An effective leader needs diversity. An effective leader needs the different perspectives and needs to be open to challenge and different ideas. An effective leader needs to actively seek diversity and be open to inclusivity in all its forms.

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About the Author

Bill Mann is The Keep Calm Guy.  Executive Coach, Boardroom Advisor, and Non-Executive Director. He is a speaker and published author – How to Keep Calm and Carry On.

If you would like to know more about leadership coaching and development, please call him on 07914 789814 or email bill@thekeepcalmguy.co.uk