What do you do if your Direct Sales team lacks diversity and inclusion in collaborative environments?

Tech is simply dripping in white guys. Some are great, some are not. The point is not that I'm anti white guys, heck, I'm married to one. The point is that that they are disproportionately represented in the industry. And create an echo chamber of self-selecting bias. The lack of diversity on teams isn't difficult to understand, this question is in itself overblown: "Understanding the root causes...". In the U.S. the systemic racism and sexism of most - if not all! - systems results in a lack of diversity. The fix: hire folks who truly feel and demonstrate that diversity is a strength by how they build teams and community. The room should NOT look like an Alfred Hitchcock film: mostly male, all white.

I have worked in 24 countries empathy and understanding are very important. I have built intentional communities with up to 44 team members. The solution is always to see the strengths of the team members respecting the diversity

An example I worked for a company based in UAE ,owned by Indians having people from other neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & they had formed groups which made my production, quality, packing etc process very challenging. The solution was to call the concerned people to meetings and ask for solution verbally or thru email. Allow the Best person who solves the issues to head the team.

Your sales team only ever requires to have the same diversity and inclusion mix as the audience you serve! Because your audience needs to feel understood by your sales team... So there's no need for you to think you've got to have members of every slice of society and culture on your team from every religion, race and sexual preference or anything else! Simply recruit train and motivate a team that looks like your target client audience in every way... Just make it sincere and natural... I've built and led teams from zero to hundreds at a time, and never have I ever had a problem with this issue... It's all about being open minded honest and having Integrity & common sense!

Sessions on unconscious bias, cultural differences, and how to communicate inclusively can have a huge impact. It's not just about the knowledge, it's about creating a workplace where everyone feels the responsibility to foster belonging.

Team building is VERY difficult if compensation is based directly on performance. “Why should I work with them, I do better alone!” A professional has eyes wide open! As others do better things happen, vendors see your company as a mover and shaker and will focus more to grow their business ,You!

Again part of team building can broaden field knowledge but time can be wasted training ( inclusions need to be done by Managers) Focus sales staff on learning from each other( way leads develop, ways to find new contacts who will instruct teams what they (the customers) are looking for as the best solution.

Ask yourself if you have a recruitment problem! If you are the boss, then the make up and behaviour of the team is directly driven by what you do.