2.1: Working with a Diverse Team Video
Transcript:
Working with a Diverse Team
No matter which group you are working with, you are likely to encounter people who are different from each other.
Global markets allow commerce with many countries throughout the world, and people from all over the world come together to work on the same projects. These factors mean that we are likely to be exposed to people of different languages, backgrounds, and cultures.
To become an effective leader, you will need to increase your awareness of potential diversity among the team members or group you lead. You should strive to learn about the differences in your group and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
So what is diversity? It’s basically all the differences among a group of people.
Here are some examples of diversity you may have heard of : Age, Gender, Marital status, Education, Occupation and income, Race and ethnicity, Religious beliefs, Geographic location or culture, Language, and Disabilities.
We tend to have a natural affinity to others who share the same diversity traits. What comes to mind when someone is introduced as a doctor?
“I’m Dr. Sprys, it’s really nice to meet you, are you Ben?”
When you meet someone in a wheelchair?
“How are you?”
“Fine”
Or when you listen to a person with a foreign accent?
“Liberia is a country that is a patriarchal state”
To be an effective leader, you need to be okay with stepping outside your own comfort zone and increasing your awareness of diversity in the team. You should recognize the similarities as well as the differences and respect the benefits diversity can bring to activities.
Start by recognizing similarities like health, self-esteem, safety, or education. Think about your own potential biases. Have you ever stereotyped someone? Has someone ever stereotyped you?
Be aware that each culture may prioritize values differently. Respect everyone and practice patience while trying to understand the team members. Encourage others to do the same.
ou will expand your comfort zone with a wide variety of people by learning more about different cultures. You can do this by conducting a factual search, attending a cultural event or holiday, talking with people from different backgrounds and asking them questions. It’s also a good idea to explore your own family background for cultural aspects.
As a team leader you can also create processes to make diverse members welcome and a part of the team. Mentor people with different backgrounds and share what you learn from them with other team members.
Seek out ways to diversify the group. Incorporate new and innovative ideas from someone with a different viewpoint.
Find new ways to be an inclusive leader, and communicate with team members about their differences. Think of ways you can bring a better understanding of these differences to all team members.
Dealing with diversity will take some time, and you may change your own attitudes after learning more. Develop your own personal plan for continued diversity learning, and you will find yourself becoming a more effective leader!