Diversity of Olympian proportions

 

I am loving the diversity in the Olympics – almost-40 year old gymnasts (grey hair and all); 15 year old female gold medalists swimming faster then men; a blind archer; a sprinter without legs; an African American gold medal gymnast; a white Jamaican Olympian (equestrian), women competing for the first time for their Islamic countries, a 71 year old competitor and it goes on – look at many of the teams and you see skins of all colours.  At least once every 4 years, we are all united in our humanity – deeply being human, aware more of our similarities than our differences.

 

Every day we are increasingly experiencing this diversity in our lives – in the people who serve us, the people who work for us and the people who lead us.  This is a fact of life.  We each need to get used to the idea that talent comes in all shapes, forms, sizes, genders, colours.

 

Are leaders stepping up and realizing that exceptional talent may, just may, lie in unexpected places?  In their organizations, do they have systems in place that make sure that exceptional talent gets IN rather than being weeded out?  I suggest that leaders take a look at their organization – how homogenous is it?  And don’t do this by relying only on reports – walk around – see where the diversity is.  Is it in strategic places?  If not, why not?  The answer to these questions could very well explain issues around the performance of your organization.

 

And as an employee, how open are you to diversity?  What fears do you hold?  Your fears say more about you than anyone else, so it’s good to take an honest look.  Embrace the uniqueness, the similarities, the humanness of those who appear “different”.

 

We are one race.   The Olympics reminds us of that.  Now let’s bring this same ideal into our organizations, into our lives.