Characteristics of diversity conscious leaders

A military ―diversity summit‖ produced this definition: Diversity leadership ―deals with ways in which people and groups relate to one another and how management [leadership] decisions are made in the midst of the differences, similarities, and tensions among groups‖ (Lim, Cho, & Curry, 2008).

Leaders must not only create a diverse culture, but also uphold inclusive values and maintain that culture daily. Take time to understand cultural differences and identify employees’ strengths and challenges. Give employees a sense of safety by discussing diversity issues with unbiased sensitivity.

Leadership’s role concerning diversity is to develop a strategic plan that exemplifies the company’s philosophy on diversity. Executive leadership and upper management are jointly responsible for creating a foundation upon which they build a diverse workplace.

Diversity–Leadership Explained

Diversity–leadership means recognizing that cultural preferences differ and adapting strategies and processes that work for more group members. While we are often curious and interested in others and their preferences, it is also important for leaders to know their own cultural views.

Thus, we define behavioural diversity as encompassing the different and varied behaviour patterns exhibited by human beings, both between and within populations, and the variation exhibited within and between individuals.