How to harness and maintain diverse talent

“Leaders must acknowledge that increasing demographic diversity does not, by itself, increase effectiveness; what matters is how an organization harnesses diversity, and whether it’s willing to reshape its power structure.”? Harvard Business Review?

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It's clear by now that diverse teams bring significant advantages to business performance and teamwork. However, having a diverse work environment does not automatically mean having inclusive working conditions. As highlighted by the Harvard Business Review, the real impact comes from how an organization harnesses this diversity.?

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Research from Deloitte shows that cognitive diversity alone is not enough to drive innovation, but it's the inclusion that truly makes a difference. As Desmund Adams stated in a Forbes article, "It is not enough to be invited to the party, you have to be asked to dance". So, how does a company keep the dance going??

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Well, here are three key strategies to maintain diversity in ways that benefit everyone:?

1. Proportional Access to Resources: Ensure everyone has access to the resources, support, information, and opportunities essential for growth, tailored to their individual needs (equity).?
2. Valuing Differences: Embrace and value different thoughts, experiences, and ideas. This encourages people to challenge each other and share controversial ideas, aiding collaboration.?
3. Fostering Belonging: Create an environment where everyone feels secure and supported as a valued member of the team and organization.?

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While these essential pillars are broad, companies can tailor them to fit their unique needs. So, to make it more concrete, let's talk about a few of the things we consider must-haves here at codeGorilla, to ensure that neurodiversity isn't just a metric, but part of the culture:?

• Structure and Clarity: Explain clearly and in detail all tasks, activities and expectations.?
• Transparent Communication: Announce any changes in schedule or expectations as soon as posssible, with clear explanations of why things are changing.?
• Event Information: Provide detailed information about events, including who, when, and why.?

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While there's no one-size-fits-all approach to fostering diversity and inclusion, focusing on these key areas can help create an environment where every team member can thrive. It's time to move beyond just ticking the diversity box and make it part of the culture.?

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Sources: Harvard Business Review, Forbes, EY Lane4?