Different experiences shape everyone’s individual point of view. This is very apparent in the workplace, which bring together all of types of people from all different walks of life. But diversity is nothing to be feared and different perspectives bring fresh ideas; which is very important in the business world. The challenge is not only learning how to embrace diversity, but how to properly utilize it in the work place.
Diversity expert Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch gives great motivational quotes that give steps to embracing your own diversity and tap into the diversity of others that you can employ to add value to your business.
Step 1: “First embrace your own story, because you can not understand where you are going until you have understood where you have been. And when you think no one knows, remember YOU KNOW! So hold on to that as your measure of ethics.”
- Often in our pursuit for future endeavors, we unintentionally create distance from our past. Instead, take the good things that helped contribute to who you are today and integrate that into the workplace in a positive way. For example: if you learned something in a unique and effective way, teach someone else that technique.
Step 2: Embrace the story of others.“We sometimes think of diversity as us verse them, but everyone has a story.”
- Letting down your guard in business is never an easy task. Besides wanting to maintain a certain professional tone, we all have our own pre-existing notions about one another-which can sometimes be a barrier that blocks us from being open to different ideas. Remember, when working together you are all on the same team! So, drop those notions and focus on combining your differences for the good of the business.
Step 3: Be an active listener. “Everyone has had a journey so part of leadership-if you truly want to lead, is learning to truly listen. Talk less, observe more, feel more, listen.”
- Being an active listener isn’t as simple as it sounds. It is a communication technique that requires the listener to not only comprehend what is being said, but evaluate what they hear. The ability to listen actively can improve interpersonal skills and strengthen cooperation that can advance mutual understanding. So when practicing this technique completely open your mind along with your ears.
Using quotes from motivational speakers like Conseulo Kickbusch are a great way to inspire positive changes in the workplace.