Diversity: Pure profit without giving something extra.

Malcom Forbes once said: “Diversity is the art of thinking independently together.” 

Diversity indeed can be seen, from my point of view, as an art. The art to pick up and to apply the power, which actually you already have had for a long time, but which often is invisible. Then you will see that a treasure of wisdom and experience reveals a 'growing together by sharing ". In a very natural way the quality of your work increases as well as the quality of your life. You become more involved. You will carry out a lot more things you're naturally good at and you enjoy doing. You inspire and will be inspired. Together you create more value and additional build sincere and lasting relationships.

I have chosen, or maybe I had to choose, a few years ago, to let go of my position as Managing Director of the Safety Region Zeeland I am now living, early retiring and much more aware of life, in Northern Thailand for quite some time. Oriental perspectives, many cultures, Buddhism. How so diversity? My helm is turned 180 °. I use my background, knowledge and experience and may, driven by my talents, use and reflect for and with others in a new comfort zone.

In a role of host, catalyst and talenteer, I meet guests from the Netherlands and other parts of the world. I am engaged in the quest for mastership/mastery in people. Thus also in and of organizations. Truly a fantastic experience and above all a revelation!
In the field of safety, because of my background as master of crisis and disastermanagement, I work on first call, worldwide fore the International Red Cross. Which is also plenty to deal with, yes, diversity!

With diversity you have to look inside first. Knowing what personal talents and strengths you (or your organization) have to share. Then to break the habit to pat your own shoulder to tell yourself that you are the best. Yes, you are certainly a major player in the palette. Then opening up. Respect the other (or other organization) for his or her talents and power and hold your primary judgment. No debate (aimed at convincing) but to enter into dialogue (with an open attitude, sincere independently without (pre) judgments), listening. Open your mind to the lower end of the visible 'iceberg'. Show interest in motivations, reasons, wishes and desires, cultural background and underlying beliefs of others. Not if this needs to be fought from your own perspectives and backgrounds as the only truth. No, also listen and opening up without judging with an attitude; "Hmmm, interesting ... I never looked at it this way.” Can I, or can we, use something of this for our project or just because I don't have it myself . Together we are stronger. 

I experience the power and the art of diversity when people open up for and from different cultures. When they understand and see value in different backgrounds and beliefs (even sometimes linked to faith). If they respect the other person and to his or her expertise. Diversity is truly a beautiful piece of art if there is a willingness to cooperate and toleration factors are present. Together wanting to achieve a higher purpose and therefore scoring together.

A new type of leadership is needed in organizations, in which are now sometimes four generations are working together. Allowing diversity could be a step in the right direction. Consider for example the balance in androgyny (male and female core characteristics) in contemporary leadership. How this is reflected in the so-called 'people skills' in an organization? Perhaps allowing more 'soft skills' and give less supervision or direction isn't sometimes that crazy.

Network organizations that embrace diversity are super powerful. They never stand or 'walk' all alone. Dare to ask and do not re invent the wheel. And, I learned this from the International Red Cross, asking questions you do also outside of your own region and certainly outside your own country. The world has become a village and (almost) everything has long been invented. Network organizations are do, especially when it comes to creativity, innovation and sustainable relationships, make a difference! Embrace diversity! The bouquet often exceeds a single flower.

Diversity? It can only exist if there are differences. They are there fortunately plenty. Where do you put the emphasis on the difference or also to the challenge of new joint agreements. Be open to diversity.

Diversity? It offers so much more ... You just have to understand the art of picking up.

Frans Captijn
Host / Catalyst / Talenteer at Captijn Insight

Captijn Insight: “Catalyst in your process to new sustainable flow. Whether you are an individual, couple, team or an organization.” 

www.captijninsight.com

captijninsight@gmail.com