Diversity: Breaking Down the Barriers

The conversation on the topic of diversity is often a difficult one. Different people have entirely different views and responses to it. For some people, it creates awkward interactions. For others, it may create anger, resistance or even confusion.

Despite the real (or perceived) glass ceilings and relational minefields, effective leaders see the value in diversity. They view it as a key tool in building world-class, high performing teams. These leaders understand that diverse professionals can provide the company with an uncommon advantage when properly led, inspired and encouraged.

Some of the world’s best leaders instinctively understand that power of diversity while others seem less comfortable embracing it. The real question is…why? Why do some leaders seem uncomfortable and even scared to discuss, support, and lead with a mindset of diversity?

Fear of the Unknown

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to attend a local private school less than 4 blocks from our home in suburban Detroit. My parents sacrificed greatly in order to pay the hefty tuition and required uniform cost for my bother and I to attend.

Although grade school and middle school generated many lifelong friends, it also clouded my understanding and appreciation for diversity. For 8 years, all the boys and girls looked just about the same and came from very similar backgrounds.

Many of us were first-generation immigrants. We looked the same, wore the same required school uniforms, and even spoke the same. Diversity to the younger version of me really came down to one question – what color tie was I going to wear with my white shirt and blue dress pants?

My world began to change when I attended 9th grade in the local public school. I begin to meet people from different cultures, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds. Even with this limited exposure, I was nowhere near ready to understand the true diversity I experienced during my first year of college.

I quickly realized that people who didn’t look like me, dress like me, or speak like me could produce exceptional results if we united for a common cause. At the same time, the question kept coming up – why does it seem like there are so many barriers to diversity?

5 Barriers

Based on my own experience and observations of more than 25 years in the business of people, you can read what I believe are the five barriers that get in the way of most organizations and leaders. Continue reading about the 5 Barriers here.

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Steve Lowisz is an authority on all things talent, personal development, and business leadership. Best known as the founder and CEO of Qualigence International, Steve is a successful five-time entrepreneur with over two decades of practical business experience. With experience consulting start-ups, equity-backed, and Fortune 500 companies around the world, you can count on Steve for expert advice and a valuable new perspective.

Steve’s Accolades

• Michigan Small Business Person of the Year
• Michigan 50 Companies to Watch
• E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist
• Qualigence Won Best & Brightest Places to Work in the Nation
• Bank Board Member 2003—2008
• Official Member of Forbes HR council