E Pluribus Unum

<< Can an employer that celebrates unity value diversity?>>. Unity is related to the word ‘unit’. A unit can either stand alone and be deemed whole, or belong in a bigger organism or organisation. Unity of purpose, vision and strategy is celebrated by corporations.

Likewise, corporations focus on diversity. ‘Diversity’ comes from the Latin for turning aside, diverging, which clash with converging, coming together, and therefore, unity. For years, the same organisations that cherish unity have paid attention to the uniqueness of their staff, valuing identity and differences. Therefore, cohesion, a sense of community and togetherness co-habit with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). Why?

DE&I conflate in unity. Unity is not sameness. In its highest form, unity is founded on love and justice and is a cornerstone of civilisation, an antidote to chaos. The values of DE&I eminently apply to organised working life, because sustainable performance is fuelled by mutual support, a culture that fosters innovation and psychological safety, and an ethos of service to colleagues and customers, regardless of background and worldview.

Inclusion is the first necessary step. Steps imply movement, and there is not much motion if only one step is taken. Further steps enable inclusion to evolve, diving below its surface to provide a safe and equitable context in which talent can emerge and thrive, transforming inclusion into integration. Unity and integration are not ideals or end goals, they are intrinsically valuable and conditions for well-being and success.?

To create unity and integration in a growing institution, several professionals such as lawyers, accountants, planners, marketers etc are engaged. Numerous previously dis-integrated systems become harmonised. The list goes on. Complexity and size bring diversity, which if well managed is crucial for unity. Diversity is boundless in global business, and inherent in nature, where societies have been discovering the benefits of environmental biodiversity. Just as we value biodiversity, we can heed the call to value neurodiversity.

This call is a quest to discover the hidden talents of our neurodiverse colleagues and stakeholders. Gifted with neurodivergent children, I have started exploring, and this brings me immense joys and sometimes challenges, through which I have learnt that unity and diversity can live under the same roof, and work as a team. A different neurological makeup is not something to make up for. It brings perspectives otherwise missed, and the best of individuals, families and in fact, organisations. It generates variety, diversity, and through it, unity.

There are many opportunities to learn about mental health, neurodiversity and autism. Let us join in and take advantage of them.

Out of many, one.