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PERSPECTIVE: Importance of diversity
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By Brig. Gen. Larry D. Kay, Missouri National Guard, Commanding General of Multi-National Task Force (East)
The word “diversity” is widely misunderstood. Many organizations continuously struggle with not only the meaning of the word but also how to successfully apply it.
Some, however, have been able to weave diversity into their culture and successfully transcended ethnic, racial and religious divides. These organizations have embraced a strong, shared vision, defined steps for success and a continuous mirror check to ensure accountability.
Shared Vision. What do we want to be? Think about this ... we wear uniforms to look alike. We train over and over to become predictable. We are bonded together in our common oath to protect this nation. So why would an organization which relishes conformity, predictability and shared values promote diversity? It's the great American paradox - groups of people who don't look alike with different religions, ethnicities and beliefs - all standing up for one common principle - freedom.
In order for us to be a great homogenous organization, we must come from all segments of this great society we represent. Yet, we don't want just anyone. Our applicants must believe in and live the Army Values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. It's these values which mold a diverse group into the great homogenous organization we call the United States Army.
Defined Steps. We must have clearly understood steps leading us toward success:
* Our formations must look like the communities we serve.
* We must nurture long-term relationships with diverse communities.
* Our leaders must be held accountable to create and promote a culture that welcomes, respects and takes pride in diversity.
* We must have leaders at every level who are mentors to others who are not like them.
* Diversity should be represented in leadership positions at all levels.
* We must maintain a consistent reputation as a diverse organization.
* Diversity should be represented in leadership positions at all levels.
* We must maintain a consistent reputation as a diverse organization.
Mirror Check for Accountability. Leaders must be willing to acknowledge challenges and aggressively make corrections. If the leadership team is not diverse, it must formally and informally seek input from the outside. We have to look at ourselves every day to score. While it's not easy, it's the consistent follow-thru that allows us to make the basket.
On Jan. 19, we will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To be in a place where our soldiers and airmen “will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character” is not just a moral imperative, it is our responsibility and duty as leaders.
Synergy is defined as a force greater than the sum of its parts. The only way to achieve synergy is embrace a strong shared vision, defined steps for success and conduct a continuous mirror check to ensure accountability.
These are the tools utilized by a healthy organization, which embraces the importance of diversity.
“Get it Done!”
Article
Some, however, have been able to weave diversity into their culture and successfully transcended ethnic, racial and religious divides. These organizations have embraced a strong, shared vision, defined steps for success and a continuous mirror check to ensure accountability.
Shared Vision. What do we want to be? Think about this ... we wear uniforms to look alike. We train over and over to become predictable. We are bonded together in our common oath to protect this nation. So why would an organization which relishes conformity, predictability and shared values promote diversity? It's the great American paradox - groups of people who don't look alike with different religions, ethnicities and beliefs - all standing up for one common principle - freedom.
In order for us to be a great homogenous organization, we must come from all segments of this great society we represent. Yet, we don't want just anyone. Our applicants must believe in and live the Army Values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. It's these values which mold a diverse group into the great homogenous organization we call the United States Army.
Defined Steps. We must have clearly understood steps leading us toward success:
* Our formations must look like the communities we serve.
* We must nurture long-term relationships with diverse communities.
* Our leaders must be held accountable to create and promote a culture that welcomes, respects and takes pride in diversity.
* We must have leaders at every level who are mentors to others who are not like them.
* Diversity should be represented in leadership positions at all levels.
* We must maintain a consistent reputation as a diverse organization.
* Diversity should be represented in leadership positions at all levels.
* We must maintain a consistent reputation as a diverse organization.
Mirror Check for Accountability. Leaders must be willing to acknowledge challenges and aggressively make corrections. If the leadership team is not diverse, it must formally and informally seek input from the outside. We have to look at ourselves every day to score. While it's not easy, it's the consistent follow-thru that allows us to make the basket.
On Jan. 19, we will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To be in a place where our soldiers and airmen “will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character” is not just a moral imperative, it is our responsibility and duty as leaders.
Synergy is defined as a force greater than the sum of its parts. The only way to achieve synergy is embrace a strong shared vision, defined steps for success and conduct a continuous mirror check to ensure accountability.
These are the tools utilized by a healthy organization, which embraces the importance of diversity.
“Get it Done!”
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msindependent wrote on Jan 11, 2009 9:32 AM: