Every February 14th, we celebrate the day of love, Valentine’s Day, by exchanging gifts or greetings. These valentines often contain a message of love or affection for the receiver. Valentine’s Day is a time for remembering one’s vows of love to one another, and it is a day for those who are desperate to win the affection of another, often enticing them with fattening gifts like chocolate.
With Valentine’s Day come visions of Cupid, a mischievous, winged child whose arrows pierce the hearts of his victims causing them to fall deeply in love. In ancient Greece, he was known as Eros, the son of the goddess of love, Aphrodite. To the Romans, he was Cupid, the son of their goddess of love, Venus.
How do we celebrate love on Valentine’s Day in a diverse multicultural society like the Lower Mainland? Canada and the United States are the most culturally diverse countries on Earth. As thousands of people from virtually every nation and ethnic group arrive on our shores, the greater Vancouver area has truly become a multicultural mosaic. Do you know that over 100 languages are spoken in the Lower Mainland alone?
Such diversity can enrich the lives of those who welcome it but not everyone is quick to embrace cultures different from their own. Many are initially ignorant of new traditions, appearances and religions and communities can quickly become tainted with stereotypes, racism, bullying, and intolerance.
In celebration of our rich diversity, add new meaning to this year’s Valentine’s Day in the Lower Mainland by doing more than exchanging chocolates and roses.
Love with forgiveness: Intolerance of other cultures can stem from a bad experience in the past. Use this Valentine’s Day to reflect on whether you need to forgive anyone this season. Open your heart so you may accept new experience and relationships.
Love with generosity: Why stop at close friends and family when sharing Cupid’s arrows? Take a look outside your close knit circle for someone in need of a little extra care. Know a lonely neighbor or an isolated senior? Add special meaning to this year’s Valentine’s Day by showering them with an unexpected dose of cheer.
Love with charity: Do you know that Canadians are viewed as the most generous people in the world? Generosity does not have to mean writing a check to a needy person or a charity. It can also mean giving of ourselves and our time to make a positive difference. Take Valentine’s Day a step further by volunteering at a food bank or serving at a soup kitchen.
Love with sympathy: Each night, we see images of people suffering on the nightly news. Take their suffering to heart and let your sympathy inspire you to action. Show your love for humanity by actively working to alleviate someone else’s suffering whether it’s from poverty, disease or injustice.
Love with foresight: This Valentine’s Day, take a moment to remember that while we may speak different languages and enjoy different food, we are all connected by our dependence on the Earth. Loving your neighbors means caring enough to protect the land we share. Make your home greener by only using products whose production and disposal do not harm natural resources.
Happy Valentines Day!
For more information
Contact us
David McLauren, PhD.
Diversity Specialist
(604) 897-4224
david@davidmclauren.com
www.davidmclauren.com
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Monday, September 7, 2009
12 Ways to Diversity Marketing
12 Ways to Diversity Marketing
David McLauren, Ph.D.
Did you know that over 100 languages are spoken in the major cities in North America? In fact, Canada and the United States are the most culturally diverse nations on earth. As thousands of people from virtually every nation and ethnic group arrive on our shores we are becoming more of a “tossed salad” than a “melting pot.” It has truly become a multi-cultural mosaic.
One of the challenges facing our cities is encouraging people to embrace diverse multicultural communities. Ignorance often leads towards stereotypes, racism, bullying and intolerance. If we do not find ways to celebrate diversity, there will be segregation rather than unity.
As the multicultural population in our cities explodes, so does the market potential and multicultural workforce. Stop losing your share of the huge multicultural market! Close the communication gap and learn how to build bridges that reach your multicultural customers and co-workers.
Many of us use traditional ways to market our products and services. However, there are a significant number of diverse communities within our cities that we are not reaching. The time has come for us to start marketing our services to these diverse communities.
Here are 12 ways to begin diversity marketing.
1. Focus on your target community: When diversity marketing, the most important thing is to focus on a particular cultural community. You must remember the significant differences and subdivisions within groups like Asians and Hispanics. For example, a person of Asian descent may be Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Malaysian or Vietnamese. The key is to focus on a particular community just like you would focus on a single object before you take a picture.
2. Focus on colors and numbers: In many cultural communities colors are very significant. For example, in many Asian countries white signifies death, whereas red and gold signify good luck, good fortunes and prosperity. Numbers are also very significant as some numbers are lucky and others are unlucky.
3. Create an atmosphere for your product or service: Make your office diversity friendly. If your target audience are Indo-Canadians, decorate a certain section of your office with Indian artifacts or deities. There are several ways to be inclusive of diversity when setting up your office.
4. Maintain personal space: When dealing with diverse multicultural communities, remember to maintain personal space. In North America we are quite comfortable conversing with people who are within 3 meters of us. However, people in many Asian countries maintain a minimum of 5 meters. Special caution should especially be taken when dealing with customers and co-workers of the opposite sex.
5. Subscribe to community magazines/newspapers: Many ethnic communities have their own publications, magazines, newspapers and TV shows. Subscribing to these publications can be a valuable investment, and fortunately, many of them are free. Placing an ad in these papers is a wonderful way of stretching your advertising budget.
6. Be ready to bargain: In our world there are two kinds of businesses: people who bargain and people who do not. While pricing your products and services you should always have room to negotiate. If your profits are marginal, adding something extra that ‘sweetens up the deal’ is a great way to increase your business.
7. Partner with an established ethnic business. Many business people know a lot of influential persons in the community, such as travel agencies, restaurants, or real estate agencies. Focus on partnering with a business that compliments your business. Take time to get to know the leaders of these communities because they can endorse your product and help facilitate more business.
8. Learn a second language: The rewards of learning a second language are huge. We live and work in global markets. Learning a second language is no longer an option; rather, it has become imperative to being on the cutting edge. Knowing another language will open up doors that help grow your business.
9. Bi-lingual Business card: Do not underestimate the power of your business card. In many Asian countries, giving and receiving a business card is a sign of great respect and honour. It is therefore appropriate to use both hands when giving and receiving a card. Have your business card printed in two languages such as English and Punjabi and reserve the front, back, or just a few main characters for a second language. Fortunately, many of these fonts are available for free online.
10. Celebrate Community Festivals: Once you know your target group, get to know their community and festival holidays. Consider enhancing your business profile by maximizing on these special days. Placing a special ad in their community newspapers such as, “McLauren Associates wish you Visaki”. Hold an open house at your business centre, give away sweets, and distribute special post cards printed in the language of your customers and prospects. Also, never take a holiday when your community is busy celebrating.
11. Be an expert on your community: Become a student of your community by reading ethnic newspapers and learning about what is happening in people’s home countries. This will allow you to communicate intelligently when you meet a customer from your target area. Become an expert by researching and gathering interesting stats and stories. Get to know who is in your target community, who lives within their families, the places they hang out, the music stations they listen to, etc. This information will be of great value when making your marketing plan. Many ethnic community newspaper editors are constantly looking for newsworthy articles. Write an article and send it in. The key is to take your information and create a story.
12. Attend Networking sessions: Discover the different ethnic business/social groups meeting in your community. Whether you are involved in a small business, or work for an established company, getting to know these ethnic networks will be a valuable experience.
Enhancing your business to target the rapidly increasing multicultural world will not only benefit your professional life, but your business life as well. Appreciation of the many cultures that surround us is the first step to running a successful business.
About David McLauren, Ph.D.
David McLauren, Ph.D. is a diversity specialist who speaks five languages. He brings a wealth of education and expertise to businesses and brilliantly helps companies increase their profits and productivity through diversity.
A highly sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, and expert on diversity, inclusion, and multi-cultural issues, David consistently energizes, educates, and empowers his audiences.
Call today to book him for your next conference! (888) 897-4224.
Helping you maximize diversity through connector,
David
David McLauren, Ph.D.
david@davidmclauren.com
888.897.4224 (toll free)
604.897.4224 (voice)
604.557.0246 (fax)
For more information, please go to www.davidmclauren.com
David McLauren, Ph.D.
Did you know that over 100 languages are spoken in the major cities in North America? In fact, Canada and the United States are the most culturally diverse nations on earth. As thousands of people from virtually every nation and ethnic group arrive on our shores we are becoming more of a “tossed salad” than a “melting pot.” It has truly become a multi-cultural mosaic.
One of the challenges facing our cities is encouraging people to embrace diverse multicultural communities. Ignorance often leads towards stereotypes, racism, bullying and intolerance. If we do not find ways to celebrate diversity, there will be segregation rather than unity.
As the multicultural population in our cities explodes, so does the market potential and multicultural workforce. Stop losing your share of the huge multicultural market! Close the communication gap and learn how to build bridges that reach your multicultural customers and co-workers.
Many of us use traditional ways to market our products and services. However, there are a significant number of diverse communities within our cities that we are not reaching. The time has come for us to start marketing our services to these diverse communities.
Here are 12 ways to begin diversity marketing.
1. Focus on your target community: When diversity marketing, the most important thing is to focus on a particular cultural community. You must remember the significant differences and subdivisions within groups like Asians and Hispanics. For example, a person of Asian descent may be Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Malaysian or Vietnamese. The key is to focus on a particular community just like you would focus on a single object before you take a picture.
2. Focus on colors and numbers: In many cultural communities colors are very significant. For example, in many Asian countries white signifies death, whereas red and gold signify good luck, good fortunes and prosperity. Numbers are also very significant as some numbers are lucky and others are unlucky.
3. Create an atmosphere for your product or service: Make your office diversity friendly. If your target audience are Indo-Canadians, decorate a certain section of your office with Indian artifacts or deities. There are several ways to be inclusive of diversity when setting up your office.
4. Maintain personal space: When dealing with diverse multicultural communities, remember to maintain personal space. In North America we are quite comfortable conversing with people who are within 3 meters of us. However, people in many Asian countries maintain a minimum of 5 meters. Special caution should especially be taken when dealing with customers and co-workers of the opposite sex.
5. Subscribe to community magazines/newspapers: Many ethnic communities have their own publications, magazines, newspapers and TV shows. Subscribing to these publications can be a valuable investment, and fortunately, many of them are free. Placing an ad in these papers is a wonderful way of stretching your advertising budget.
6. Be ready to bargain: In our world there are two kinds of businesses: people who bargain and people who do not. While pricing your products and services you should always have room to negotiate. If your profits are marginal, adding something extra that ‘sweetens up the deal’ is a great way to increase your business.
7. Partner with an established ethnic business. Many business people know a lot of influential persons in the community, such as travel agencies, restaurants, or real estate agencies. Focus on partnering with a business that compliments your business. Take time to get to know the leaders of these communities because they can endorse your product and help facilitate more business.
8. Learn a second language: The rewards of learning a second language are huge. We live and work in global markets. Learning a second language is no longer an option; rather, it has become imperative to being on the cutting edge. Knowing another language will open up doors that help grow your business.
9. Bi-lingual Business card: Do not underestimate the power of your business card. In many Asian countries, giving and receiving a business card is a sign of great respect and honour. It is therefore appropriate to use both hands when giving and receiving a card. Have your business card printed in two languages such as English and Punjabi and reserve the front, back, or just a few main characters for a second language. Fortunately, many of these fonts are available for free online.
10. Celebrate Community Festivals: Once you know your target group, get to know their community and festival holidays. Consider enhancing your business profile by maximizing on these special days. Placing a special ad in their community newspapers such as, “McLauren Associates wish you Visaki”. Hold an open house at your business centre, give away sweets, and distribute special post cards printed in the language of your customers and prospects. Also, never take a holiday when your community is busy celebrating.
11. Be an expert on your community: Become a student of your community by reading ethnic newspapers and learning about what is happening in people’s home countries. This will allow you to communicate intelligently when you meet a customer from your target area. Become an expert by researching and gathering interesting stats and stories. Get to know who is in your target community, who lives within their families, the places they hang out, the music stations they listen to, etc. This information will be of great value when making your marketing plan. Many ethnic community newspaper editors are constantly looking for newsworthy articles. Write an article and send it in. The key is to take your information and create a story.
12. Attend Networking sessions: Discover the different ethnic business/social groups meeting in your community. Whether you are involved in a small business, or work for an established company, getting to know these ethnic networks will be a valuable experience.
Enhancing your business to target the rapidly increasing multicultural world will not only benefit your professional life, but your business life as well. Appreciation of the many cultures that surround us is the first step to running a successful business.
About David McLauren, Ph.D.
David McLauren, Ph.D. is a diversity specialist who speaks five languages. He brings a wealth of education and expertise to businesses and brilliantly helps companies increase their profits and productivity through diversity.
A highly sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, and expert on diversity, inclusion, and multi-cultural issues, David consistently energizes, educates, and empowers his audiences.
Call today to book him for your next conference! (888) 897-4224.
Helping you maximize diversity through connector,
David
David McLauren, Ph.D.
david@davidmclauren.com
888.897.4224 (toll free)
604.897.4224 (voice)
604.557.0246 (fax)
For more information, please go to www.davidmclauren.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Diversity Awareness
Diversity Awareness
If you were born before the 1970's, you would have witnessed the demographic change that North America went through. Your neighbors were not all American anymore; your colleagues and superiors were no longer just Americans. Living and working in today's society requires each of us to become increasingly aware of the challenges of cultural changes.
What is Diversity Awareness?
Diversity awareness is about identifying and respecting differences that exist within your organization, and understanding how they affect your organization. Being aware of workplace diversity means that you view individual differences and behavior - be it a person's religion, culture or sexual orientation - as a benefit to your organization, rather than dismissing it as abnormal behavior or inappropriate. Diversity awareness helps us to appreciate that others are ''not like us''; we stop complaining and instead learn to respect differences, and perhaps even embrace some of it ourselves.
Would a Muslim woman clad in black muslin be treated at par with other individuals in your company? Or would she be isolated? Are the people in your organization accepting of people with different sexual orientation, or do they treat them with hostility? If the answers to these questions do not satisfy you, diversity awareness is an issue that your organization must address in order to harness its true potential.
Advantages of Diversity Awareness
Know your employees better
Employee diversity is like an undiscovered gold mine. Diversity brings with it a host of different skills, talents and ideas. Being aware of diversity in an organization helps you understand the potential that lies within it. Diversity awareness means that you identify and tap latent potential. For example, the more experienced employees in your organization may be suited best to tackle a certain type of work problem. If you are aware that you have employees who speak Italian, you can better satisfy your Italian customers' needs. Unless you make an assessment of your organization's diversity, you are likely to underutilize human resources accumulated within it.
Formulate Diversity policies
Diversity awareness is the first step for you to formulate your company's diversity policies. Every entrepreneur and business person understands that the success of organizational policies depends on policy-maker's ability to understand the organization properly. Without a strong foundation built on the knowledge of the diversity within your organization, diversity policies, training and goals will be less efficacious.
Improve communication
Being unaware of likely differences between two individuals is one of the key reasons for poor communication. Diversity awareness is a way to overcome miscommunications, confusion and lack of team work.
Foresee and avoid conflicts
The root of every conflict is difference. Not all differences within an organization can be monitored. However, it is within your power to manage conflicts that arise out of diversity issues within your organizations. Conflict can be ugly. It reduces individual, and ultimately company performance, leads to attrition and makes an organization less attractive in the eyes of prospective job-seekers. The deeper appreciation for people's differences, as learned through diversity awareness, can make employees better equipped to resolve their differences amongst themselves.
Practical Ways To Become Aware Of The Diversity In Your Workplace
Training is the key step for diversity awareness. There are very effective courses and programs available that can teach your employees the value of diversity.
· Your people make your organization. It is time that you got to know them better. Identify various factors on which employees can be classified. There are no hard and fast factors to go by, as each organization has a unique workforce. However, some common ones include age, gender, religion, nationality, education, marital status and sexual orientation.
· Have a clear understanding of how diversity in your organization is beneficial to you and your organization.
· Formulate sessions where employees at all levels are made aware of the diversity around them, using collected statistics and data. Take pride in, and encourage others to be proud of, being part of an organization that represents world populations and fosters a work employment for all with equal opportunities.
· Understand the effect that current and historic distrust has on inter-personal interactions. For example, because of the threat of terrorism on world security, a common negative phenomenon has been a change of attitude and increasing hostility towards Muslim employees in an organization. Your employees may need to be sensitized towards such issues.
· Diversity awareness is not just about difference. Recognize similarities among people in your organization and among people in general, irrespective of creed, customs and culture. Security, health, education of children, self-esteem, privacy and recreation, transcend all cultural and social boundaries. People understand each other most on these issues, and discussing them builds bonds and relationships.
· Create a diversity committee in your office, to create periodic theme events based on diversity. For example, your organization could celebrate the Chinese New Year, during which employees would have a chance to further understand and appreciate Chinese culture, cuisine and custom.
· Invite professional and community experts to talk about diversity to your employees.
About David McLauren, Ph.D.
David is a diversity specialist who speaks five languages. He brings a wealth of education and expertise to businesses and brilliantly helps companies increase their profits and productivity through diversity.
A highly sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, and expert on diversity, inclusion, and multi-cultural issues, David consistently energizes, educates, and empowers his audiences.
Call today to book him for your next conference! 888.897.4224
Helping you maximize diversity through connector,
David
David McLauren, Ph.D.
david@davidmclauren.com
888.897.4224 (toll free)
604.897.4224 (voice)
604.557.0246 (fax)
For more information, please go to www.davidmclauren.com
If you were born before the 1970's, you would have witnessed the demographic change that North America went through. Your neighbors were not all American anymore; your colleagues and superiors were no longer just Americans. Living and working in today's society requires each of us to become increasingly aware of the challenges of cultural changes.
What is Diversity Awareness?
Diversity awareness is about identifying and respecting differences that exist within your organization, and understanding how they affect your organization. Being aware of workplace diversity means that you view individual differences and behavior - be it a person's religion, culture or sexual orientation - as a benefit to your organization, rather than dismissing it as abnormal behavior or inappropriate. Diversity awareness helps us to appreciate that others are ''not like us''; we stop complaining and instead learn to respect differences, and perhaps even embrace some of it ourselves.
Would a Muslim woman clad in black muslin be treated at par with other individuals in your company? Or would she be isolated? Are the people in your organization accepting of people with different sexual orientation, or do they treat them with hostility? If the answers to these questions do not satisfy you, diversity awareness is an issue that your organization must address in order to harness its true potential.
Advantages of Diversity Awareness
Know your employees better
Employee diversity is like an undiscovered gold mine. Diversity brings with it a host of different skills, talents and ideas. Being aware of diversity in an organization helps you understand the potential that lies within it. Diversity awareness means that you identify and tap latent potential. For example, the more experienced employees in your organization may be suited best to tackle a certain type of work problem. If you are aware that you have employees who speak Italian, you can better satisfy your Italian customers' needs. Unless you make an assessment of your organization's diversity, you are likely to underutilize human resources accumulated within it.
Formulate Diversity policies
Diversity awareness is the first step for you to formulate your company's diversity policies. Every entrepreneur and business person understands that the success of organizational policies depends on policy-maker's ability to understand the organization properly. Without a strong foundation built on the knowledge of the diversity within your organization, diversity policies, training and goals will be less efficacious.
Improve communication
Being unaware of likely differences between two individuals is one of the key reasons for poor communication. Diversity awareness is a way to overcome miscommunications, confusion and lack of team work.
Foresee and avoid conflicts
The root of every conflict is difference. Not all differences within an organization can be monitored. However, it is within your power to manage conflicts that arise out of diversity issues within your organizations. Conflict can be ugly. It reduces individual, and ultimately company performance, leads to attrition and makes an organization less attractive in the eyes of prospective job-seekers. The deeper appreciation for people's differences, as learned through diversity awareness, can make employees better equipped to resolve their differences amongst themselves.
Practical Ways To Become Aware Of The Diversity In Your Workplace
Training is the key step for diversity awareness. There are very effective courses and programs available that can teach your employees the value of diversity.
· Your people make your organization. It is time that you got to know them better. Identify various factors on which employees can be classified. There are no hard and fast factors to go by, as each organization has a unique workforce. However, some common ones include age, gender, religion, nationality, education, marital status and sexual orientation.
· Have a clear understanding of how diversity in your organization is beneficial to you and your organization.
· Formulate sessions where employees at all levels are made aware of the diversity around them, using collected statistics and data. Take pride in, and encourage others to be proud of, being part of an organization that represents world populations and fosters a work employment for all with equal opportunities.
· Understand the effect that current and historic distrust has on inter-personal interactions. For example, because of the threat of terrorism on world security, a common negative phenomenon has been a change of attitude and increasing hostility towards Muslim employees in an organization. Your employees may need to be sensitized towards such issues.
· Diversity awareness is not just about difference. Recognize similarities among people in your organization and among people in general, irrespective of creed, customs and culture. Security, health, education of children, self-esteem, privacy and recreation, transcend all cultural and social boundaries. People understand each other most on these issues, and discussing them builds bonds and relationships.
· Create a diversity committee in your office, to create periodic theme events based on diversity. For example, your organization could celebrate the Chinese New Year, during which employees would have a chance to further understand and appreciate Chinese culture, cuisine and custom.
· Invite professional and community experts to talk about diversity to your employees.
About David McLauren, Ph.D.
David is a diversity specialist who speaks five languages. He brings a wealth of education and expertise to businesses and brilliantly helps companies increase their profits and productivity through diversity.
A highly sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, and expert on diversity, inclusion, and multi-cultural issues, David consistently energizes, educates, and empowers his audiences.
Call today to book him for your next conference! 888.897.4224
Helping you maximize diversity through connector,
David
David McLauren, Ph.D.
david@davidmclauren.com
888.897.4224 (toll free)
604.897.4224 (voice)
604.557.0246 (fax)
For more information, please go to www.davidmclauren.com
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Benefits of Workplace Diversity
North American businesses enjoy the many benefits of ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. Top innovators of technology have operated with diverse workforces since the 1980s and now virtually all-top corporations see diversity as a basic feature of their hiring policies.
Workplace diversity comprises race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, educational levels and socio-economic status. It also includes religious beliefs, life stages, education, career responsibilities, sexual orientation, personality and marital status.
Chances are that many in the workplace may not even be aware of how many benefits are derived from a diversity of styles, fashion, music and opinion. Many successful businesses have taken an active part in embracing diversity, yet there are still many businesses unaware of the numerous benefits that workplace diversity brings.
When an organization acknowledges differences among its workforce, it can manage its employees in such a way as to create harmony in work practices and higher standards of cooperation. First, it is about understanding differences in these characteristics within an organization, and second it is about acknowledging these differences. And last, it is about developing work practices to create an inclusive environment.
The success of a diverse workforce leads to an innovative culture where ideas flourish and creativity has no boundaries. Today, it is imperative for any business to learn how it can tap into the rich and varied skills of its workforce by simply embracing the idea of it. A diverse workforce in any office could lead to a host of profit-making ideas, innovation, and creativity through and an exchange of knowledge. In fact, the very success of a business these days could depend on an organization's ability to reap the benefits of diversity.
Attract the best talent to contribute to your business
If an organization has built a reputation for its workplace diversity, it stands to attract the best available talent and skill in the market, both domestically and abroad. The company will be able to recruit the best available talent from around the globe to work on projects located in the far corners of the world as part of virtual teams. Companies will be able to develop synergies with strategic partners located in far away markets. A company can market its products more easily, taking advantage of the different languages of its staff to develop and maintain distribution partners once thought impossible to reach. Why? Workforce diversity means the ability to conduct business worldwide through the varied experience of its employees.
Build a globally competitive workforce
Building a microcosm of the world in the workplace, equips managers with the kinds of skills to compete effectively, with efficient services and a wide reach of resources. A diverse workforce not only brings professional skills into the office, but also brings people of different cultures fluent in various languages and who are capable of understanding international customers' everyday needs.
Enhance problem-solving efficiency
Imagine having a diverse workforce comprising different age groups, education, experience and genders, and being able to brainstorm a business problem located on another continent. This was once thought unachievable. Today, it is standard business practice for an organization facing fluctuating trends and demands. What is most effective then is to have a workforce capable of generating a pool of multiple solutions and ideas. Workplace diversity is now recognized for this crucial role in effective-problem solving.
Avoid conflicts, increase individual performance and retain your workforce
An unhealthy work atmosphere is often the root cause of high attrition levels in a company. People, however, require a feeling of belongingness and security. When they feel supported in their ideas and beliefs they become more productive. At core, all among today's skilled workers expect be treated fairly and with respect. If not, they will soon find plenty of work elsewhere. Turnover is expensive and unproductive. Moreover, stakeholders are now demanding that any organization they invest in must conform to practices that encourage low employee turnover, provide a healthy work environment that rewards team performance and empowers workers to express themselves with an open mind.
Basic tips and strategies for diversity managements:
� Organize diversity training to employees at all levels
� Allow affinity networking amongst employees with similar backgrounds
� Conduct learning sessions among groups, during which employees share with each other how their varying beliefs, cultures and traditions shape their professional and personal lives
� Set-long term goals and develop diversity practices during recruitment, appraisal and lay off.
� Encourage employees to confide in their superiors about problems of discrimination
� Carefully analyze the diversity at each employment rank and level
� Reward the attainment of diversity goals from time to time
� Develop training for diversity leadership.
� Actively promote successes of diversity.
About David McLauren, Ph.D.
David is a diversity specialist who speaks five languages. He brings a wealth of education and expertise to businesses and brilliantly helps companies increase their profits and productivity through diversity. A highly sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, and expert on diversity, inclusion, and multi-cultural issues, David consistently energizes, educates, and empowers his audiences.
Call today to book him for your next conference! 888.897.4224
Helping you maximize diversity through connector,
DavidDavid McLauren, Ph.D.
david@davidmclauren.com
888.897.4224
(toll free)604.897.4224
(voice)604.557.0246 (fax)
For more information, please go to www.davidmclauren.com
Workplace diversity comprises race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, educational levels and socio-economic status. It also includes religious beliefs, life stages, education, career responsibilities, sexual orientation, personality and marital status.
Chances are that many in the workplace may not even be aware of how many benefits are derived from a diversity of styles, fashion, music and opinion. Many successful businesses have taken an active part in embracing diversity, yet there are still many businesses unaware of the numerous benefits that workplace diversity brings.
When an organization acknowledges differences among its workforce, it can manage its employees in such a way as to create harmony in work practices and higher standards of cooperation. First, it is about understanding differences in these characteristics within an organization, and second it is about acknowledging these differences. And last, it is about developing work practices to create an inclusive environment.
The success of a diverse workforce leads to an innovative culture where ideas flourish and creativity has no boundaries. Today, it is imperative for any business to learn how it can tap into the rich and varied skills of its workforce by simply embracing the idea of it. A diverse workforce in any office could lead to a host of profit-making ideas, innovation, and creativity through and an exchange of knowledge. In fact, the very success of a business these days could depend on an organization's ability to reap the benefits of diversity.
Attract the best talent to contribute to your business
If an organization has built a reputation for its workplace diversity, it stands to attract the best available talent and skill in the market, both domestically and abroad. The company will be able to recruit the best available talent from around the globe to work on projects located in the far corners of the world as part of virtual teams. Companies will be able to develop synergies with strategic partners located in far away markets. A company can market its products more easily, taking advantage of the different languages of its staff to develop and maintain distribution partners once thought impossible to reach. Why? Workforce diversity means the ability to conduct business worldwide through the varied experience of its employees.
Build a globally competitive workforce
Building a microcosm of the world in the workplace, equips managers with the kinds of skills to compete effectively, with efficient services and a wide reach of resources. A diverse workforce not only brings professional skills into the office, but also brings people of different cultures fluent in various languages and who are capable of understanding international customers' everyday needs.
Enhance problem-solving efficiency
Imagine having a diverse workforce comprising different age groups, education, experience and genders, and being able to brainstorm a business problem located on another continent. This was once thought unachievable. Today, it is standard business practice for an organization facing fluctuating trends and demands. What is most effective then is to have a workforce capable of generating a pool of multiple solutions and ideas. Workplace diversity is now recognized for this crucial role in effective-problem solving.
Avoid conflicts, increase individual performance and retain your workforce
An unhealthy work atmosphere is often the root cause of high attrition levels in a company. People, however, require a feeling of belongingness and security. When they feel supported in their ideas and beliefs they become more productive. At core, all among today's skilled workers expect be treated fairly and with respect. If not, they will soon find plenty of work elsewhere. Turnover is expensive and unproductive. Moreover, stakeholders are now demanding that any organization they invest in must conform to practices that encourage low employee turnover, provide a healthy work environment that rewards team performance and empowers workers to express themselves with an open mind.
Basic tips and strategies for diversity managements:
� Organize diversity training to employees at all levels
� Allow affinity networking amongst employees with similar backgrounds
� Conduct learning sessions among groups, during which employees share with each other how their varying beliefs, cultures and traditions shape their professional and personal lives
� Set-long term goals and develop diversity practices during recruitment, appraisal and lay off.
� Encourage employees to confide in their superiors about problems of discrimination
� Carefully analyze the diversity at each employment rank and level
� Reward the attainment of diversity goals from time to time
� Develop training for diversity leadership.
� Actively promote successes of diversity.
About David McLauren, Ph.D.
David is a diversity specialist who speaks five languages. He brings a wealth of education and expertise to businesses and brilliantly helps companies increase their profits and productivity through diversity. A highly sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, and expert on diversity, inclusion, and multi-cultural issues, David consistently energizes, educates, and empowers his audiences.
Call today to book him for your next conference! 888.897.4224
Helping you maximize diversity through connector,
DavidDavid McLauren, Ph.D.
david@davidmclauren.com
888.897.4224
(toll free)604.897.4224
(voice)604.557.0246 (fax)
For more information, please go to www.davidmclauren.com
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Diveresity 101
Did you know that over 100 languages are spoken in many cities in North America? It has become a multi-cultural mosaic. Canada and the United States are the most culturally diverse nations on earth. Thousands of people from virtually every nation and ethnic group are coming to our shores. We are becoming more of a "toss salad" than a "melting pot".
As the multicultural population in North America explodes, so does the market potential and multicultural customers/workforce. Companies and entrepreneurs often miss market penetration because of the failure to understand the target group's cultural values and customs. Cultural and ethnic diversity is challenging the way we do business with multicultural communities.
What is Diversity?
It is a new word emerged into our vocabulary. Diversity is not a new flavor of the month rather it will be a regular feature on the United States and Canadian HR menu. It means many things for many people. A lot of people have used diversity as a means to promote or further their personal or group agenda. I don't mean to distract from those agendas. Others have deliberately excluded themselves from the conversation assuming "it" is not for them. I don't want to assign any meaning or motive to that decision. I merely want to offer a perspective based on years of involvement as a practitioner in the field. The original intent of the movement called diversity management was to create an environment that allows all people to maximize their contribution. Diversity is here to stay, it is not going to disappear; it will be here for good, so let's get used to it and celebrate diversity.
Many people equate diversity with cultural differences or affirmative action. But diversity is not so simply defined. Diversity is more than simply "us vs. them" - it is the understanding that we are all unique in various ways. For example, diversity is more than just culture - it is the changing demographics of our population. It's also about the various beliefs and attitudes held by each individual, and the influence of one's identity and the groups with whom one interacts. Diversity is not just affirmative action either-it is the elimination of stereotypes and discrimination that affects our ability to understand each other and work together productively. In business, diversity increases profitability by bringing in fresh new ideas and methods; in schools it means greater learning and understanding; in relationships, diversity can mean personal growth. Diversity should not be seen as a detriment, but rather an asset, a celebration of our individuality as well as our commonalities.
Dimensions of Diversity
There are primary and secondary dimensions of diversity. Primary dimensions of diversity, which consist of characteristics we cannot change, include race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual preferences, and mental/physical abilities or characteristics. Secondary dimensions, which are aspects of ourselves that are less visible, can be acquired, modified, and sometimes discarded. These aspects include education, communication style, primary language, religion, income level, work style, work/military experience, family status, organization role/level, geographic location, group affiliations, and political preferences, among a few.
Advantages of Workplace Diversity:
The stats; Canada predicts that 40 percent of the Canadian labor force will be comprised of minorities by 2010. More importantly, it estimates that from 1998 to 2010 some 45 percent of the people entering the Canadian workforce will be minorities. In the United States 85% of the new workforce in the next decade will be women, Hispanics, Asians and Afro-Americans, only 15% of them will be white men.
Most companies in North America recognize that there are significant advantages to integrating workers from culturally diverse backgrounds into their workforce. However, many firms don't understand the full importance of doing this. Diversity needs to be seen as the business plan, essential to successful products and increased sales. This is especially true in today's global marketplace, as companies interact with different cultures and clients.
Among the advantages of a well-integrated company are: increased creativity, increased productivity, new attitudes, new language skills, global understanding, new processes, and new solutions to difficult problems.
About David McLauren, Ph.D.
David is a diversity specialist who speaks five languages. He brings a wealth of education and expertise to businesses and brilliantly helps companies increase their profits and productivity through diversity. A highly sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, and expert on diversity, inclusion, and multi-cultural issues, David consistently energizes, educates, and empowers his audiences.
Call today to book him for your next conference! 888.897.4224
Helping you maximize diversity through connector,
David McLauren, Ph.D.
david@davidmclauren.com
888.897.4224 (toll free)
604.897.4224 (voice)
604.557.0246 (fax)
For more information, please go to www.davidmclauren.com
As the multicultural population in North America explodes, so does the market potential and multicultural customers/workforce. Companies and entrepreneurs often miss market penetration because of the failure to understand the target group's cultural values and customs. Cultural and ethnic diversity is challenging the way we do business with multicultural communities.
What is Diversity?
It is a new word emerged into our vocabulary. Diversity is not a new flavor of the month rather it will be a regular feature on the United States and Canadian HR menu. It means many things for many people. A lot of people have used diversity as a means to promote or further their personal or group agenda. I don't mean to distract from those agendas. Others have deliberately excluded themselves from the conversation assuming "it" is not for them. I don't want to assign any meaning or motive to that decision. I merely want to offer a perspective based on years of involvement as a practitioner in the field. The original intent of the movement called diversity management was to create an environment that allows all people to maximize their contribution. Diversity is here to stay, it is not going to disappear; it will be here for good, so let's get used to it and celebrate diversity.
Many people equate diversity with cultural differences or affirmative action. But diversity is not so simply defined. Diversity is more than simply "us vs. them" - it is the understanding that we are all unique in various ways. For example, diversity is more than just culture - it is the changing demographics of our population. It's also about the various beliefs and attitudes held by each individual, and the influence of one's identity and the groups with whom one interacts. Diversity is not just affirmative action either-it is the elimination of stereotypes and discrimination that affects our ability to understand each other and work together productively. In business, diversity increases profitability by bringing in fresh new ideas and methods; in schools it means greater learning and understanding; in relationships, diversity can mean personal growth. Diversity should not be seen as a detriment, but rather an asset, a celebration of our individuality as well as our commonalities.
Dimensions of Diversity
There are primary and secondary dimensions of diversity. Primary dimensions of diversity, which consist of characteristics we cannot change, include race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual preferences, and mental/physical abilities or characteristics. Secondary dimensions, which are aspects of ourselves that are less visible, can be acquired, modified, and sometimes discarded. These aspects include education, communication style, primary language, religion, income level, work style, work/military experience, family status, organization role/level, geographic location, group affiliations, and political preferences, among a few.
Advantages of Workplace Diversity:
The stats; Canada predicts that 40 percent of the Canadian labor force will be comprised of minorities by 2010. More importantly, it estimates that from 1998 to 2010 some 45 percent of the people entering the Canadian workforce will be minorities. In the United States 85% of the new workforce in the next decade will be women, Hispanics, Asians and Afro-Americans, only 15% of them will be white men.
Most companies in North America recognize that there are significant advantages to integrating workers from culturally diverse backgrounds into their workforce. However, many firms don't understand the full importance of doing this. Diversity needs to be seen as the business plan, essential to successful products and increased sales. This is especially true in today's global marketplace, as companies interact with different cultures and clients.
Among the advantages of a well-integrated company are: increased creativity, increased productivity, new attitudes, new language skills, global understanding, new processes, and new solutions to difficult problems.
About David McLauren, Ph.D.
David is a diversity specialist who speaks five languages. He brings a wealth of education and expertise to businesses and brilliantly helps companies increase their profits and productivity through diversity. A highly sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, and expert on diversity, inclusion, and multi-cultural issues, David consistently energizes, educates, and empowers his audiences.
Call today to book him for your next conference! 888.897.4224
Helping you maximize diversity through connector,
David McLauren, Ph.D.
david@davidmclauren.com
888.897.4224 (toll free)
604.897.4224 (voice)
604.557.0246 (fax)
For more information, please go to www.davidmclauren.com
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