Tag Archives: being different

Diversity Training the Michael Scott way

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Does this remind you of what goes on in YOUR office? If so, you may want to address these issues – but not like Michael Scott.

At dictionary.com the definition of diversity is simply – being different. That’s it! And that’s what makes this great nation of ours so great! If everyone were just like YOU, that would totally suck!

Sometimes words like diversity, work-life balance and these type of buzz words are great to talk about, but what about implementation? Please tell me you don’t use post-it notes such as in the above video and handle in this manner.

Issues related to race, gender, age, disabilities, religion, job title, physical appearance, sexual orientation, nationality, multiculturism, competency, training, experience, and personal habits are encapsulated in that one word – diversity.

Defining diversity

Diversity is generally defined as acknowledging, understanding, accepting, valuing, and celebrating differences among people with respect to age, class, ethnicity, gender, physical and mental ability, race, sexual orientation, spiritual practice, and public assistance status (Esty, et al., 1995).

Diversity issues are now  becoming more than just buzz words and are projected to become even more important in the future because of the ever-increasing differences in our U.S. population. Companies are starting to focus on diversity and in looking for ways to become totally inclusive organizations because diversity has the potential of yielding greater productivity and competitive advantages (SHRM, 1995).

Valuing diversity

Maximizing and capitalizing on workplace diversity has become an important issue for management today. Supervisors and managers are the targeted audience because they need to recognize the ways in which the workplace is changing, evolving, and diversifying.

Since managing diversity remains a significant organizational challenge, managers must learn the managerial skills needed in a multicultural work environment. Supervisors and managers must be prepared to teach themselves and others within their organizations to value multicultural differences in both associates and customers so that everyone is treated with dignity.

So, unlike these videos and their diversity training in The Office, we know that managing and valuing diversity is a key component of effective people management, which can improve workplace productivity. Ensuring that every employee is given an equal opportunity, regardless of their sexual preference, gender or nationality.

Demographic changes (women in the workplace, organizational restructurings, and equal opportunity legislation) will require organizations to review their management practices and develop new and creative approaches to managing people. Changes will increase work performance, customer service and overall morale.

Here’s what could happen if you don’t mind your diversity P’s and Q’s. Not to mention slapped with a law-suit.

Diversity: Being different is totally cool!

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I recently took a trip (via METRA) to the city for a speaking gig for my business. I always find it intriguing to ride the train. There are so many diverse groups of people in one small space. It always reminds me of Richard Sherman ‘s Bus Stories. He has such a fabulous writing style in describing fellow passengers and what they may be thinking or experiencing on said bus rides.

Here we have such diverse nationalities coming together for the same purpose (we all need a ride). Several of them speaking different languages – and we’re all headed to the city for our own reasons. Some folks seem very friendly and wanna chat, which is okay by me. Sometimes I’m in a chatty mood (more so on the way to the city than on the way back) and some just choose to sit silent next to you (that’s also cool).

I sit and contemplate “I wonder what their story is. Have they dealt with a crapload of family issues before leaving for work? Are they heading to the city to visit a loved one or have a fun day? Do they work in the city and ride this god-forsaken train every day? (That would stink).

Everyone has a story. Just like in our workplaces, people are dealing with multiple facets of family dynamics and some either leave that at home, on the train, or bring it to work. Some find a colleague and use them as counselor (which I do not advocate) and some just need to get things off their chest.

I think understanding that we all have “things” we deal with on a regular basis and being somewhat sympathetic goes a long way. Of course there are those who will continue to push the envelope, come into your office and unload on you every day with their personal problems. Somehow, we have to put a stop to that. I call them “time robbers” who steal our time and never take our advice. I’ve learned over the years to just flat-out tell them, “look, if you’re not going to take my advice, don’t talk to me about it anymore” and most of the time it works.

I work virtually so my constant intruder is my husband. Sometimes I would love to put an “out of the office” sign on my door but think he would probably guess I’m still in there.

I think one of the things I love most about living in the Chicago area is its diverse population. It mixes it up a bit, and I like that. Being from Southeast Alabama, we mostly have three diverse groups: Rednecks (whites), Blacks, and a few Hispanics (who work in our tomato fields). Somehow, it’s just not that exciting unless a redneck gets out of control. That can be somewhat exciting.

In the end, its diversity that makes up this great nation of ours. The freedom of expression, whatever that may mean for each diverse group and I’m fascinated by that.