Diversity is more than rattling off a list of words

Brainstorm:When you hear about diversity what

comes to mind

At the top levelMiddle levelYour level

Diversity – essential ways we differ Inclusiveness – widen the circle Cultural awareness – know your self Cross-cultural awareness – know the other Equity – equality of opportunity Racism – discrimination plus power Discrimination – treating others differently

because of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation etc. to their disadvantage

AgeRaceSexSexual orientationNationalityEthnic backgroundMarital/Family statusGender determined characteristics

EthnicityAbilityPolitical beliefsReligious beliefsClass/social status

Historically, the workplace was built around white Anglo-Saxon values and work ethics. Workers outside of the dominant culture were not considered in the workplace cultural equation. They were to come in and fit within the norms of the established organization

Canada’s multiculturalism policy Increased diversity through

immigration and refugee claimantsChanging face of the workplace

To include others not historically considered requires a paradigm shift in thinking.

A radical shift in normal thinking e.g.

WE ARE NOT HUMAN BEINGSHAVING A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE

WE ARE SPIRITUAL BEINGSHAVING A HUMAN EXPERIENCE

a mental model a way of seeing a filter for one's perceptions a frame of reference a framework of thought or beliefs through

which one's world or reality is interpreted an example used to define a phenomenon a commonly held belief among a group of

people, such as scientists of a given discipline

 

Think of a Paradigm Shift as a change from one way of thinking to another. It's a revolution, a transformation, a sort of metamorphosis. It just does not happen, but rather it is driven by agents of change.

These principles are reflected in values that apply to each and every human being.

The values of universal brotherhood, love for one's neighbor, and the golden rule of treating others as we ourselves would wish to be treated - or better yet as they wish to be treated -are just some of the ideals that are common to all cultures.

Multicultural events provide opportunities for members of different communities to learn more about each other, thus fostering increased awareness and understanding of the diversity within the human community.

Having cultural resource groups at the workplace is one way of being cultural sensitive to those outside of the dominant group. These groups can provide such functions as mentoring, coaching and showing them the ropes to successfully integrate in the workplace.

Employees can be encouraged to dress in their traditional wear and not only the so-called “ethnics” but all employees. This will allow those employees who believe they do not have a culture to do some research into their own cultural heritage and share it with the group. There is nothing more powerful that self-knowledge. “We are all ethnics.”

Respect breeds respect and it is the core value of any workplace.

It’s time to stop incompetent managers in their tracks - those who use bullying, intimidation and harassment as legitimate management tools.

The new manager in a diverse workforce needs to be a coach and an inspirer

We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion.

Max de Pree