How to Find Unity in Diversity
As humans we have many things in common, and it is this common ground, that provides us with an opportunity to find unity in diversity.
What characteristics do we share?
These are some of the common attributes we all have:
- Share a desire to improve upon our current condition.
- Have fears for what may happen in the future.
- Natural talents and abilities.
- A need for self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth.
- A desire for the praise, acceptance and appreciation from others.
How can we create a better culture?
Organisations can use these attributes to create a better working culture.
1. To tap into people's desire to improve upon their current condition, your organisation should communicate how its goals, plans and processes will deliver a better future to the workforce.
2. To reduce the fears that people have for what the future holds, the organisation should reassure people that they will not be treated differently (either better or worse) simply by virtue of any particular identity which they may have or not have. This is the true nature of social justice.
3. To tap into employees' natural talents and abilities, your organisation should invest in training programmes that are designed to actualise the full productive potential of everyone.
4. To tap into a need for self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth, the organisation should strive to encourage the best performance from every member of the team. The organisation should never denigrate the character of any member of the team, but reserve the right to give objective feedback on their behaviour, or performance.
5. In order to tap into the common desire for the praise, acceptance and appreciation, the organisation should be sure to offer thanks, appreciation and rewards for any behaviour that warrants it.
Social Motivation
Finally, your organisation should investigate the concept of social motivators. These are the positive reasons people go to work, other than money, and which include:
- team spirit
- achievement
- a sense of purpose
- friendship
Your organisation should ensure that social motivators are in place.
Unity in Diversity
Unity in diversity is a business principle that joins different people into one team by meeting shared human needs, giving fair treatment to every identity, using varied talents to reach shared goals, and supporting social drivers such as praise and purpose.
CG4D Definition
Context: Business
Genus: Principle
- Meets the shared basic needs of all staff
- Gives fair and equal treatment to every identity
- Uses varied talents to reach one clear goal
- Builds social drivers like team spirit, praise and purpose
Article Summary
When leaders show how the future will be better for all, ease fears, grow every skill and give fair praise, unity in diversity follows; different voices blend into one strong, engaged team.