Leading Across Differences
Our nation is full of complex challenges that spark passionate debate. While differing perspectives can sometimes lead to heated discussions, it’s essential to remember that diversity of thought is a cornerstone of a thriving society. There is a crucial role for leaders as we navigate a climate of disagreement – to act as bridges, fostering understanding and welcoming the very differences that seem to pull us apart.
Here’s the truth: whether it’s an organization or a community, a group that thinks alike is a group with limited potential. Research consistently demonstrates that teams with a variety of viewpoints outperform homogenous ones. Diverse backgrounds bring true innovation, effective problem-solving, and create a thriving environment for all.
WHY CHALLENGING CONVERSATIONS MATTER
Sure, challenging conversations can be uncomfortable. We might fear offending someone or exposing our own biases. But here’s the thing: avoiding these conversations doesn’t make the differences disappear. It just pushes them underground, hindering trust and collaboration.
Think about it this way. Imagine your team is tasked with developing a new marketing campaign. If everyone comes from the same background and has similar life experiences, they’ll likely gravitate towards their interests or perceptions. However, if the team has members from different generations, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, they can brainstorm a campaign that includes a much wider audience.
THE POWER OF UNDERSTANDING
Mere tolerance of differences is a low bar for leadership, but being a champion of understanding actively pursues diverse perspectives, open communication, and supportive environments. So, how do we unlock the true power of differing perspectives? Here are a few key strategies:
- Embrace curiosity: Approach differences with a spirit of curiosity. Ask questions, encourage open communication, actively listen to everyone’s perspectives and seek to understand the rationale behind them.
- Create a safe space: Foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their opinions, even if they’re unpopular. Set ground rules for respectful communication, and actively discourage interruption or personal attacks.
- Focus on your common ground: While differences may exist, there should always be some common ground. Turn your attention to shared goals and values to build bridges and uncover solutions that everyone can support.
- Celebrate differences: Recognize and appreciate the unique strengths and experiences that everyone brings to the table. These skills and perspectives provide you with a wider range of knowledge to draw from.
- Encourage participation: Actively invite your team to have challenging conversations, even when it might be disruptive. Be proactive in signaling that expressing dissent isn’t a bad thing and can actually lead to productive solutions. Ask questions that provide a platform for a diversity of opinions, like “if we start this tomorrow, what would we need to have in place?” or “who has an idea that challenges this?”
In today’s environment, being a bridge-builder isn’t a luxury – it’s your leadership responsibility. By leading across differences, you’re developing people that can navigate complexities, tackle challenges, and achieve success in a world that thrives on diverse perspectives.