Embracing Diversity Beyond the Boardroom

In the context of the current business environment, the concept of diversity has evolved beyond just the boardroom. While the importance of a diverse board is widely acknowledged, it's equally crucial to extend the principles of diversity, knowledge, skills, and attributes to operational teams. By leveraging a framework similar to the Board Skills Matrix and utilising the concept within a team, organizations can unlock a range of benefits that contribute to enhanced performance, innovation, and overall success. This I have observed myself at Apprenticeships Are Us a workplace we are proud to say is diverse, interesting and as a result performing well.

The Board Skills Matrix

The Board Skills Matrix has long been recognized as a valuable tool for ensuring that boards possess a diverse set of competencies, experiences, and perspectives. This strategic approach involves mapping out the skills and attributes of each board member, identifying gaps, and appointing individuals who bring unique strengths to the table. The outcome is a well-rounded board capable of making informed decisions and navigating challenges with a holistic perspective.

Extending the Matrix to Operational Teams

Just as a diversified board drives strategic decision-making, applying a similar framework to operational teams can yield comparable advantages. Operational teams, functioning at the heart of day-to-day activities, benefit immensely from a mix of skills and attributes. This approach fosters an environment where team members complement each other's strengths, leading to increased efficiency, problem-solving capabilities, and adaptability.

Building Strength Through Diversity

Diversity in operational teams is not merely about meeting quotas; it's about building a team with a rich set of skills that collectively strengthen the organization. Just as a board needs financial acumen, legal expertise, and industry knowledge, operational teams thrive when equipped with a diverse range of technical, creative, analytical, and interpersonal skills. This diversity ensures that teams can navigate challenges from multiple angles, fostering resilience and creativity.

Fostering Collaboration, Not Competition

A diverse operational team isn't just a collection of individuals; it's a collaborative team capable of achieving more together than any one member could alone. By acknowledging and celebrating individual strengths, teams can create an environment where collaboration takes precedence over competition. This shift in focus in the case of our organisation has transformed the team into a united front, working cohesively towards a common goal—the success of the organization and those we seek to serve.

Maximizing Benefits for the Organization and Stakeholders

Operational teams that mirror the diversity and skill balance found in effective boards have the potential to deliver exceptional results. In the last 6 months we have revitalised our operational team along the principles of having a diverse set of strengths skills. What we have observed are improved problem-solving to increased adaptability in the face of change, the benefits cascade throughout the organization. As a result, stakeholders, whether internal or external, reap the rewards of a well-rounded team capable of navigating complexities and driving innovation and improved service delivery.

Based on our own observations at Apprenticeships Are Us we recognize that diversity is not exclusive to the boardroom. Extending the principles of the Board Skills Matrix to operational teams is a strategic move that pays dividends in terms of performance, collaboration, and overall success. We are as an organisation committed to embracing diversity at all levels, empowering our teams to be the best they can be for the benefit of the organization and those it serves.

Michael Wentworth, Managing Director, Apprenticeships Are Us Ltd