QUESTION #1: What is Diversity?
Before we can look at what diversity is all about, we must first understand what diversity is not.
Seven Myths I Debunk Every Day in My Diversity Workshops
1. Diversity is a problem.
No, it is an opportunity. Diversity lies for many people beyond what they don't know in an area I refer to as what you don't know you don't know. Seizing the opportunity to understand diversity will take you into a new and better realm of doing business.
2. Diversity is our Human Resources department's responsibility.
No, it is my responsibility. Too many people tell me, "That's not my problem; our personnel people have to handle the diversity issues." Wrong. We all (employees, supervisors, managers) play a significant role. As I partner with my clients, we define and address these roles together.
3. Diversity is just about race and gender.
No, it is much broader than that. It used to be called cultural diversity but the conversation has become more inclusive. Read on.
4. Diversity is about minorities and women in the workplace.
No, diversity is about your internal (employees) and external (prospective clients) customers. The approach you take to the diversity in your employee and customer ranks can make or break your company. Multicultural marketing, a relatively recent development in the diversity field, focuses on evaluating your customer base and addressing all your customers' needs.
5. Diversity is exclusive.
No, it is inclusive. In other words, diversity is about all of us. If you feel diversity is about attacking the white male, you are mistaken. Diversity is not about getting "them" into your corporate culture (assimilation). Diversity is about creating a culture where each individual can thrive and contribute to the organization (integration/multiculturalism).
6. Diversity is another fad.
No way, José. If you think it is, good luck. Look at your workforce today and compare it to five and ten years ago. Then try to imagine it five and ten years into the future. Do the same analyses for your customer base. Have you seen the demographic projections for the future? It will knock your socks off! The changes we see happening now will continue for the foreseeable future.
7. Diversity is another version of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action. No, it is very different from EEO/AA.
Briefly, the major differences between EEO/AA and Diversity are presented below*.
| EEO/AA | DIVERSITY |
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*Adapted from Workforce America! Managing Employee Diversity as a Vital Resource by Marilyn Loden & Judy B. Rosener, 1991, Irwin Professional Publishing.
QUESTION #2: Why are companies designing and implementing diversity training and development initiatives?
 | There is an increasingly diverse customer population. |
| There is an increasingly diverse employee population. |
| It is important to retain top talent. |
| It is necessary to minimize the risk for litigation. |
| It is the right thing to do. |
QUESTION #3: How do I hire a diversity consultant?
| Request brochures/literature from all diversity trainers/consultants you can find. |
| Review sample diversity training materials. |
| Review references. |
| Invite all candidates into your organization to deliver a short presentation so you can "test drive" the trainers. |
| Never ask, "Can you do diversity training?" Most consultants will say, "Yes." Ask instead, "Have you done it, and for whom?" |
For more on this, see article, Screening Diversity Trainers.
QUESTION #4: What do I need to keep in mind while conducting my first diversity initiative?
| Expect resistance-some employees, such as white males, may initially become offended. |
| Be willing to take some heat. |
| Understand that the culture will not change overnight. |
| Be cautious when forming partnerships with advocacy groups. |
| Be ready for surprises when you start probing real issues. |
| Be accountable for what you say you are going to do-many people are watching to see what
happens. Source: "How to Develop a Diversity Commitment," American Association of Retired People, 601 East Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20049 |
