No! Even though opinions are increasingly diverging, polarization seems unstoppable. Some want diversity, while others oppose inclusiveness; however, diversity is good. Read here about why and how!
The start of humankind was when the world was clear.
Long ago, we lived in tribes, and the world around us was dangerous. When hunting and gathering food, anything could happen to us. In this uncertain world, we depend on the group of people with whom we share our household and life daily. We had the same behavior, speech, and customs, anything to maximize our chances of survival. Even in appearance, we were similar.
We also called this collection a tribe, and what happened if someone came along who was not a member of the tribe? That was an intruder, a danger, or a risk that needs safeguarding. It worked because those tribes grew large, split into several new ones, and eventually became entire cultures or nations.
Modern times
Safeguarding also happens in modern times. I have traveled a lot and lived in many new countries, and each time, as a newcomer, I have to prove to myself that you are trustworthy, deserve a place in my new tribe, and am safe. I understand. However, other aspects come into play. Because the world has become a village, I was a newcomer in a neighboring country. Nowadays, people travel worldwide to places where they think it is safe and sound for them.
That is one aspect of diversity, but there are other things. It shouldn’t, but it still matters whether you are male or female or what religion or sexual orientation you have. Or more and more people by fate have disabilities, either physical or mental. It is hard to understand sometimes: people want to belong, contribute to their (new) tribe, and have fun working together and being together. That was always a goal for me, too, getting to know the new culture and learning to speak the language to blend into my new world.
There is so much diversity; how do you deal with it?
The basis is that we are all equal; however, the current one is that we have groups that call themselves more equal, for example, based on property. George Orwell warned about this in Animal Farm: “All animals are equal, but some are more equal.” This quote is the best description of my allergy. There is only equality, whether you like it or not. But then, how do you deal with this? One of the building blocks of team success is structure and safety. Every society has structures that we should all respect. No using double standards or dismissing facts with “this is fake news.” Respect for structures increases the sense of security; the next step is to show mutual respect. Me for you, you for me.
How do you show respect?
Showing respect is easier said than done. I’ll give one tool in advance, which is this biblical text, “What you do not want done to you, do not do to another.” Again, the structure is that we hold the same standard for everyone. Set a good example if you want to receive treatment in a certain way. Is that all? No, because many people don’t realize that having an opinion (judgment) of others only says something about themselves. They project their self-image onto others, primarily to their detriment.
Unfortunately, we increasingly seek confirmation of ourselves in others and what they do or say. On social media, besides our friends, we follow those people who say and do what we want to recognize ourselves in. We have turned off the neutral mirror, a corrective hand or counter-factor. Because we can and because it’s easy. Realize, however, that finding recognition in others is the epitome of an insecure person. If you argue that your behavior must be the same as mine, that we must exhibit the same behavior to trust each other, what are you afraid of?
Is a woke world a better world?
Perhaps being woke is a reaction to the lack of respect and, in that sense, a commendable attitude. Yet, I find woke confusing. Does it stem from one-child families where this child could set the game’s rules alone? Or is it because we decide what we like (or woke) on social media? Can someone who behaves woke set my boundaries without discussing it with me? While I find it an interesting line of thinking, I get stuck because I don’t know who decides when something is woke and why. The basis should remain mutual respect; if woke can help, I am okay with that.
Can you say anything?
No. There is much to do about freedom of speech; yes, it is good that it exists. But again, do so with mutual respect and understanding of each other’s views. Even if you disagree, you should be able to deal with each other respectfully. However, many people use this freedom to claim their rightness, be angry with different opinions, magnify the wrongs of others, or make more noise than others. Freedom, then, becomes “my opinion first!” (And there is no room for another.)
Communicate with respect.
Realize that your behavior and choices have consequences for others. If you shout, what do you think the others will do? For that matter, what do you think you say about yourself when you loudly mock another opinion? I can only repeat it: mutual respect is the only basis.
Teams with diversity are the strongest.
From sports, we know that one-sided teams are the fastest path to failure or loss. It is strange to think we will improve if we are all the same. No, check out your favorite team sport and see how important it is to have a collection of talents where each team member possesses a different quality. Because in business, we can’t all be forklift drivers or directors, either.
So, diversity leads to better performance. New people who are allowed into the tribe, no matter who they are, will reward it with gratitude and commitment that will warm many hearts.
If you want to know more about this, read it in this magazine. It explains in detail how to make teams successful and how important diversity is.
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