Use Your Difference to Make a Difference

11Workplaces

The main thing to strive for in workplaces is creating inclusive environments. There has to be a system in place that allows for multiple identities to exist safely while making sure that power dynamics and privileges don't infringe on the rights of others. On top of this, leaders in workplaces need to make sure that equality and equity exist, which requires courageous leadership, open-mindedness, and constant awareness. As a leader in your workplace, you should know what is important to all the stakeholders in your company and why.

Workforce diversity often includes the clear differences you see, such as ethnicity, race, religion, gender, age, national origin, and sexual orientation. Besides this, workforce diversity also includes the obvious traits, including the subtle differences that generally register with us unconsciously, for example, appearance, socioeconomic status, accent, marital status, language, and educational background. We all have something that makes us special, some unique ability or talent we bring to the table that differentiates us from other employees and our colleagues.

According to Deloitte, diversity has become increasingly important in today's political, economic, and global business environment, and the number of executives who cite inclusion as a top priority continues to rise.¹

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, companies cannot afford to handle any activity or carry any extra weight that doesn't assist them in succeeding. ...