It is almost indisputable that a diverse team achieves more. Even within the last month,numerous publications have expounded on the principle that working with people with a different point of view challenges thinking, sharpens performance and encourages innovation and ultimately lifts the bottom-line. What is less discussed is how to achieve it. So, what needs to happen within an organisation to reap the benefits of diversity?

Culture change
A recent HBR article points out that to reap the commercial benefits of diversity, simply hiring a diverse workforce is not enough. Leaders need to create a corporate culture that is open to challenge and willing to change. Only then can the organisation put diversity at the service of the firm’s core business. So how do you go about implementing such a worthy but decidedly nebulous goal?

Open communications
The first and perhaps the most important step is to build open communication. Be transparent in your decision-making! Where practical, involve staff in the process. To do this you need to create different ways for your staff to communicate with you and each other. It can be anything from Q&A sessions, to a digital suggestions forum, or the tried-and-tested suggestions box. The possibilities are endless.

Embrace feedback!
It isn’t enough to go through the motions. Ultimately the key to success is to embrace feedback and address it promptly and openly. Leaders will need to prioritise and integrate these processes into their decision-making. Then you will be one step closer to making diversity really work for you.