Two ideas to choose from are better than one. Three perspectives to compare are better than two. Four approaches to consider are better than three. Five leadership styles to learn from are better than four. A team that understands this synergy that diversity brings is a team with a much stronger foundation for success. Diversity doesn’t have to come from racial backgrounds alone, as many people may assume. Diversity of genders, cultural backgrounds, educational or professional experiences are all building blocks for creating an incredibly dynamic and fun work environment.
I’ve worked in a setting where the team had two active managers with distinct styles. While one manager gave an incredible amount of independence to the team, the other was a strong micro manager. Sole leadership by either of these managers would have led to a dysfunctional team, since the hands-off approach of the first manager could have left the team without guidance and coaching, while the hands-on approach of the second manager could have disrupted the workflow and productivity with over-involvement. The fact that the managers balanced each other not only provided the team with a more dynamic setting, it also helped each team member learn and appreciate differing management styles.
Beyond the synergy of diversity in a professional setting lies something I consider even more important: diversity as an ethical value. Every person is unique, and it is fundamentally right to value the uniqueness that each person brings to the table. Be it race, gender, culture, socio-economic background, people bring out the best from each other when they are stimulated, inspired, and challenged by differences. Furthermore, holding up diversity as a core ethical value is genuine way to unite a team and allow the synergy of diversity to be realized as a natural byproduct.
