“… in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” ―Maya Angelou
Unique. Original. Extraordinary. Diverse. This is the new workforce; this is the new world. Those willing to embrace and encourage workplace diversity as well as global awareness are visionary leaders who will succeed and change the world.
According to American Progress’ most recent labor report, “Going forward, businesses should continue to capitalize and embrace diversity as the workforce itself becomes more diverse. Our economy and our society depend on it.” We need to understand that a diverse workplace represents the hiring of individuals who are the best fit for the position. It does not mean that we hire, for example, a woman because we need to fill a quota. We hire a woman because she is the best person for the job. The same goes for any other person whether Black, Asian, Latina or disabled.
Truth be told that the main reason NAPW is a success is because of you ― our extremely diverse membership. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again ― I’m proud to lead such an amazing group of professional women willing to support, guide and encourage each other’s success and so willing to give back and affect positive change in their communities and the world. We may all look different, but what makes us so unique is that we all come together from varied backgrounds and life experiences with individual viewpoints, while having respect for each other for who and what we are. This is what unifies us!
I’ve always considered myself an open-minded person, one who prides herself on seeing past facades into the soul of a person. If we were all the same, think how boring our lives would be! Our individualized approaches to life, problem solving and creative abilities are what make us thrive as a team; what make our businesses succeed; what make the world a better place. It is diversity and the understanding, tolerance and enrichment it brings to our lives, businesses and country that expands our horizons and changes the game where we all end up winners. Diversity is here. It is our future. It is our now!
Leadership requires the ability to see differently, to be open to new ideas, to embrace hard decisions and make tough choices. Developing global awareness is imperative for any leader today, especially those seeking to expand their entrepreneurial ventures or move their careers to a higher level. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone to explore the unknown, to accept other cultures, to learn another language and understand other customs. It is this respect for others that aids your quest for success on a global level. As women who are already embracing diversity, you are one step ahead, and you are already a global citizen if you…
- Seek to challenge and break stereotypes that are thrust upon us and other cultures.
- Acknowledge your responsibility to others and to the world.
- Give back to make a difference and affect positive change in the lives of women and girls, locally and globally.
- Embrace new experiences and people, without judging them by your own standards and values.
- Understand what is happening in other nations’ societies, businesses and economies.
As National Awareness Month comes to a close, we will be taking the concepts of diversity and global awareness much further in the coming months. I’m looking forward to telling you more about this very soon.
Exciting times are ahead for NAPW and for you! As leaders, it is time to embrace the now together ― a now of diversity, global awareness and strength!
How has workplace diversity impacted your business or career? And, how have you expanded your global awareness? Share your comments below.
