The Power of Choice

Introduction

I HAVE FOCUSED MY CAREER on supporting the talent development of a vibrant and diverse workforce. This work means that I have the opportunity to speak to large numbers of up‐and‐coming professionals who are eager to make their mark and navigate through a successful career. These individuals are hungry for practical advice about how to accomplish the goals that are important to them. Many think of themselves as—or are considered by others to be—“different” from the majority of employees in their organizations.

In talking with these rising professionals, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and an array of industries, I encounter an interesting ambivalence about the relevance of differences in today's multicultural workforce. On one hand, there are countless people from different ethnic backgrounds, races, gender, cultures, sexual orientations, and religions, all of whom are living their dreams that they achieved through their own hard work, intentionality, and support from others. This is a true sign of progress.

On the other hand, these same differences are still causing debate and division. In spite of a changing population and expanding opportunities, I still hear concerns about the impact of being different when it comes to being recognized and rewarded in the workplace. Many professionals look around and don't see many individuals like themselves in senior management. They notice that their careers aren't progressing as they expected or as quickly as ...