Diversity in the working group and Group Development
Different experiences (background), nationalities, gender, socioeconomic statuses, religious and sexual preferences, age and very much more
Diversity gives advantages in
- Marketing
- Business
- Innovation
How do you create Diversity in the working group and Group Development
1.Embrace and Celebrate Diversity
2.Build an Inclusive Environment
3.Facilitate Group Development
4.Encourage Collaborative Learning
5.Monitor and Evaluate Progress
1.Embrace and Celebrate Diversity
Recognise Differences
- Understand and acknowledge the various
backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives within
your team. Encourage team members to share
their unique experiences.
Inclusive Communication
- Ensure that all voices are heard. Facilitate open
discussions where everyone feels comfortable
expressing their opinionsand ideas.
Cultural Competence
- Provide training to increase awareness and
understanding of different cultures, beliefs, and
practices within the team.
2.Build an Inclusive Environment
Equal Opportunities
- Ensure that all team members have access to the
same opportunities for growth, development and
advancement.
Fairness in Decision-Making
- Implement transparent decision-making processes
that are free from biases.
Support Networks
- Create support groups or mentorship programs that
help underrepresented groups within the team.
3.Facilitate Group Development
Team Building Activities
- Regular team-building exercises can help build trust
and improve communication within the group.
Role Clarity
- Clearly define roles and responsibilities to avoid
misunderstandings and conflicts.
Conflict Resolution
- Establish mechanisms for addressing conflicts
constructively, focusing on resolution
rather than blame.
4.Encourage Collaborative Learning
Cross-Cultural Learning
- Encourage team members to learn from each other’s
diverse experiences and skills. This can be done
through workshops, collaborative projects or peer
mentoring.
Continuous Feedback
- Foster a culture where feedback is regularly given and
received, helping team members grow and develop in a
supportive environment.
5.Monitor and Evaluate Progress
Diversity Metrics
- Track diversity metrics to ensure that the team remains
inclusive and representative of different groups.
Employee Satisfaction Surveys
- Regularly check in with the team through surveys or
meetings to measure their satisfaction with the group’s
dynamics and development
Adapt and Improve
- Be open to making changes based on feedback and
the evolving needs of the team.
Dr. Susan A. Wheelan has studied group development and has observed the following steps:
To develop the group is particularly important in diversified (mixed) teams, since the risk of conflicts then increases
An efficient group is at a level 4
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https://www.ted.com/talks/rocio_lorenzo_how_diversity_makes_teams_more_innovative
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https://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_forget_the_pecking_order_at_work#t-449839
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https://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_dare_to_disagre
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https://www.ted.com/talks/rocio_lorenzo_how_diversity_makes_teams_more_innovative?
