What do you do if your collaborative business strategy lacks diverse perspectives?

Bring the voice of those underrepresented groups to C-level discussions. I love bringing people who are in direct contact with customers, as they usually are the first ones to recognize that "something" is changing in the landscape, but unfortunately lack a space to share it with the C-level.

I think you need to acknowledge first that their is a problem. Many a times leaders take vital time accepting or acknowledging this. Dive deep into evaluating your teams makeup & the spectrum of stakeholders engaged in strategy development. Reflect on potential underrepresented groups or viewpoints & unravel the reasons behind such disparities. Was it the hiring methods, networking constraints or an exclusive organizational culture that contributed to these gaps. Recognizing these deficiencies serves as the foundational stride towards cultivating a more inclusive & resilient business strategy.

Tackling strategy diversity begins with acknowledging where and why perspectives are limited. Assess your team and strategy stakeholders to identify underrepresented groups and viewpoints. Consider if hiring practices, network limitations, or a non-inclusive culture contribute to these gaps. Understanding these areas is crucial for developing a more diverse, effective business strategy. Inclusion enriches strategic thinking, driving innovation and better decision-making. It’s not just about inclusivity but also about enhancing the company’s competitive edge in the market.

Expand Your Recruiting Horizons -Dive into untapped talent pools: Consider unconventional sources, like niche online communities or forums. -Value unconventional resumes: Embrace candidates with diverse backgrounds, not just traditional credentials. -Internship programs: Launch programs targeting underrepresented groups, injecting fresh perspectives directly into your strategic planning. Remember, the goal is to weave diversity into the fabric of your strategy, making it a stronger, more vibrant masterpiece that captivates your audience and stands the test of time. Keep it light, keep it clever, but most importantly, keep it inclusive.

Remember - More the diversity, more you will expand your horizons. Diverse perspectives leads to a robust strategy. A diverse array of perspectives will compliment your effectiveness. Key is to actively seek diverse perspectives by engaging experts/partnerships from different backgrounds to infuse creativity into your strategic initiatives. Need a 3 pronged approach: 1. Embrace diversity in individuality - incorporating experts from varied industries or cultures into your strategic discussions. 2. Explore potential partnerships with organizations catering to diverse communities. 3. Broaden your network - Think outside the box to produce successful outliers that can profoundly amplify the innovation & impact of your collaborative endeavors.

Inclusivity is the name of the game. It will ultimately enhance the richness and effectiveness of your business strategy. One need to cultivate inclusive spaces for diverse perspectives: 1. Embrace inclusivity: Create a culture where diverse viewpoints are celebrated & encouraged. 2. Empowerment through safety: Foster an environment where every team member feels secure & empowered to voice their distinct perspectives. 3. Training for diversity: Provide diversity & inclusion training to promote understanding & respect. 4. Open communication channels: Establish transparent communication avenues that welcome participation from all organizational levels.

I think sustaining diverse perspectives calls for a continuous evaluation approach and it should include: 1.Regular assessment: Continuously evaluate the efficacy of integrating diversity into your collaborative strategy. 2.Active listening: Ensure that diverse viewpoints are not only heard but also genuinely considered in strategic decisions. 3.Adaptive evolution: Monitor whether your strategy is evolving in response to diverse perspectives & insights. 4.Dynamic approach: Maintain a fluid & inclusive business strategy through ongoing monitoring and adaptation. Uphold the infusion of diverse perspectives to ensure a dynamic & inclusive business strategy over time.

One thing I found truly helpful is harnessing technology for diverse business strategies. Embrace the power of technology to enhance diverse perspectives. Technology, I think can enrich your strategy with a wide array of insights, fostering innovation & inclusivity. Go for a two pronged approach that includes: 1.Global connectivity: Utilize remote collaboration platforms to link with individuals worldwide, integrating diverse experiences & viewpoints. 2. Data analytics integration: Employ data analytics tools to comprehend the requirements & preferences of a varied customer base, enriching your strategy with a broader spectrum of consumer insights. Technology acts as a potent tool that infuses vigour to your collaborative business strategy.

One need to empower Leadership for diversity integration and to champion diversity within your organization, fostering an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued. By encouraging inclusive behavior, prioritizing diversity in decision-making and securing leadership support, the integration of diverse viewpoints becomes an inherent and influential aspect of your business strategy.

Based on my experience you need to do the following, actively involve individuals from varied backgrounds and expertise. Encourage open dialogue and ensure all voices are heard and valued. Consider forming diverse teams to tackle specific aspects of the strategy, leveraging their unique insights. Invest in diversity training to foster an inclusive culture where differences are celebrated. By embracing diverse perspectives, you can enrich your strategy with fresh ideas and innovative solutions, driving success and growth. Prioritizing inclusivity not only enhances decision-making but also fosters a more dynamic and resilient organization prepared to navigate complex challenges in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Implement structured ideation sessions that purposefully include diverse team members with varying backgrounds and expertise. Use techniques like design thinking to encourage creative problem-solving and ensure that all voices are heard. Initiate a reverse mentoring program where younger or less experienced employees share their insights with more seasoned team members. Actively seek insights from global markets, including those outside your current focus. This could involve market research, collaborations with international partners, or participation in global forums and workshops. Strengthen your commitment to diversity by revisiting your hiring and talent development practices actively seeking candidates from underrepresented groups.

Then it isn't collaborative and you need to look within. Have people started mirroring your opinions back to you, and giving you what you want to hear? Why else would perspectives not come forward. We can have 20 different voices around us, but if the culture in place is that of conformity, then there are 20 voices saying the same thing. It becomes one voice. The voice of of collaborative mediocrity !!