Business
Diversity the new uniformity
Published
8 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Johanne Bouchard EBS Business Columnist
In the past, diversity in a business was akin to tokenism, and for some, “diversity hires” are still capitulations to a quota. Today, diversity is the new normal – a way to help businesspeople grow and evolve to help organizations be more effective.
Many leadership teams and boards of directors now welcome women and minorities, and experience the invaluable contribution and perspective they can bring. The value can be realized in the breadth of knowledge and experience a diverse group can provide: planning, strategy, decision-making, marketing, and efficiency, among others.
Consider if everyone on your board of directors was roughly the same age and of similar professional backgrounds. How can you possibly coalesce, think outside the box, and truly achieve the possibilities for the good of your stakeholders? Imagine a company trying to stay relevant in the digital era without having someone in leadership who understands digital technology.
If everyone around the board table is so similar that there isn’t true discourse, you end up with proposals and agreements from one point of view.
Consider how prioritizing diversity can create a healthy, sustainable and prosperous organization with a foundation and cultural fabric that mirrors our diverse society. In order to optimally serve our communities, our organizations must be equally diverse.
My approach to diversity is holistic. During any selection process, I emphasize what the ideal candidate would offer to any open position, whether it’s an executive or board member vacancy. Who is already represented, and what voices would round out the chorus to make it harmonious? Understanding who you already have and where you could use additional strength is usually enough to introduce diversity into any group.
If you have a strong team of seasoned veterans, it’s possible that a younger voice would add value. If you have a majority of men – or women – perhaps adding gender diversity would open new horizons for growth and profit. If your organization serves an international audience but your leadership is all flying the same flag, it’s time to recruit abroad or enlist someone with international experience.
Being farsighted is a key attribute of good leadership, and recognizing that the norms for representation have evolved – and will continue to evolve – serves any leadership team. Diversity of knowledge, skills and expertise is utterly important.
President Lincoln understood the value of having political diversity in his presidential cabinet more than 150 years ago – Lincoln deliberately built his cabinet with men who were his political rivals – and we can certainly embrace that spirit of seeking a variety of perspectives today.
Selecting varied voices when creating, planning, executing, leading and manifesting possibilities – inclusive of all genders, ages and ethnicities – will enrich us all. Let us not be afraid of embracing change and tapping into our potential by fully leveraging the talent and perspectives that others offer.
Johanne Bouchard, a former high-tech marketing executive, is a leadership advisor to CEOs, executives and entrepreneurs, as well as an expert in corporate board composition and dynamics. Visit johannebouchard.com to learn more or download her recently published eBooks “Board Composition” and “Board Basics.”
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
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Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
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