Even Hondas, Volvos & Chevys Can Get Along!

Is your workforce diverse? 
Does everyone get along?
Is there some “we’ versus “they” going on?
Do you want to get all cultures talking to each other?

I’m preparing for a training on Diversity.  My client has communication challenges and he wants to decrease conflict in the workplace.  This blog post will give you some ideas on how to celebrate your diverse workforce.  I’ve even included an exercise that is guaranteed to increase laughter and understanding.

Definition of Diversity
Sharing the collective mixture of similarities and differences among people. It creates an environment that allows all individuals to meet their capabilities and potential without being pushed or pulled.

Today the melting pot is the wrong metaphor in business
Not only is it impossible to melt down the many diverse groups that make up the American workforce, but most individuals are no longer willing to be melted down.
When we feel valued by an organization, we feel a sense of control. We feel more competent in our job and sense of support from those people around us. We feel more productive and a sense of achievement. We can feel more loyal to the organization.

“I don’t like that man. I have to know him better.”
Abraham Lincoln

“In spite of our differences, we are all the same. When we are all stripped of our differences, cultures, languages, race, and our color…we then come face to face with our oneness.”
Dali Lama

Click here to get your own copy of Full Speed Ahead:  Become Driven by Change.  This easy read has exercises to use at your own meetings on communication, stress, diversity, etc. 

 Diversity Inclusion Exercise

Divide into groups.
List categories of groups at work (men/women, age, race, culture etc.)
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
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List the ones that you fit in.
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________

List the ones that you don’t fit in.
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________

What can the company do to make you and others feel inclusive?

This exercise will bring out issues that your team will be able to resolve.  Make sure that there is a facilitator who can ease any tension that may come out.  Please send me your team’s results after you take this exercise.  You can send me a comment or question since my clients ALWAYS learn new things after using this important strategy.

Want to Use this Article in Your Newsletter or on Your Website?

Of course! You are welcome to print this, and any other articles we send, if you use the following byline:
A recognized expert on Resolving Conflict in the Workplace, Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP is an author, accountability coach, and a Certified Speaking Professional. To book Joyce to speak at your event or company call: 800.713.1926 or email: Joyce@JoyceWeiss.com
Visit her website at www.JoyceWeiss.com to sign up for your own FREE video series and Communicate with Impact Weekly to Resolve Conflict in the Workplace.

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Please send me any comments that you may have about this article. Hit the link at the end of this post to share your ideas or questions. Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts to reduce conflict at the workplace and home. There may be someone in your life who is feeling stressed out…who could benefit from the inspiration and knowledge on improving their working condition or home life.

Until next time,

This is Joyce Weiss, Business Conflict Resolution Consultant
I help people become top level leaders who get GREAT results.
How do I do this?
I teach them to tackle the tough conversations with bullies and negative people to build employee engagement, accountability, and rock star performance…
The Result? My clients get a better night’s sleep!

Feel free to call me concerning your own team/executive retreats, workshops, on line professional growth coaching, and keynote speeches.

Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!

PS  Click here to get your own copy of Full Speed Ahead:  Become Driven by Change.  This easy read has exercises to use at your own meetings on communication, stress, diversity, etc.