When diversity goes wrong

Diversity brings different opinions, ideas, thoughts and view points to tackle problems. But what happens when those differing views are so strong and are in conflict? When diversity goes wrong it cripples agreement, destroys team alignment and stalls decision making.

Successful diverse teams have a common goal. They know what they are trying to achieve and share their differing views on how to achieve it. They avoid group think but still have alignment on what makes them a team. They share common values. As leaders we need to encourage and recruit for diversity to have successful teams but make sure they know what they are hired to do.

The best teams are those that are aware of the diversity and understand that people have different view points. Team members listen to learn rather than listen to reply with their own agenda. They have open minds and can empathise with each other. They also understand in a team of differing views they may not always get exactly what they want. They are open minded and realise there is more than one way. Leaders need to help team members be aware of the viewpoints of others, build emotional intelligence and listen to learn.

Leaders need to be mindful that diversity will bring tension; healthy tension that will provide debates and discussions. But if team members have no respect for the views of others, this tension becomes unhealthy. It becomes conflict. Respect is a behaviour that is essential, without it trust fails. Diversity is so important in your teams, but without the right behaviours it can go wrong.

Diversity needs respect and a common purpose to succeed. It needs compromise and an open mind. Diversity without respect ends in arguments, disagreements and it can make a team dysfunctional.