Page 14 - FDI Alliance International Magazine. Winter 2020 Digital Interactive Issue.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION DRIVES

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Everyone is called to create value. Everyone is employees in different divisions working range of voices and viewpoints when it is time
equipped to be impactful. Everyone can have collaboratively. Building cross-departmental to develop growth strategies. Seeking and
successful outcomes. Everyone is gifted and project teams will foster a positive culture where incorporating feedback from multiple sources
talented to fulfill their purpose in life. new solutions to existing problems can be results in strong and sensible strategic initiatives.

discovered and deployed in an efficient manner. This is sound wisdom.

Realizing the value, impact, and success of every
person in a company or community will drive ♦ ECONOMIC GROWTH DRIVER ♦ COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIC PLANNING
sustainable long-term growth. Identifying and No one on earth knows everything. No one Collaborative strategic planning is the best
releasing the creative energy within each person on earth understands everything. No one approach to developing the best vision for
and harvesting the results is doable through a on earth sees everything. Since knowledge, a company or community. Overcoming
commitment to diversity and inclusion. understanding, and vision are key ingredients organizational and cultural barriers to
to move any economy forward, it is important communication and creating virtual and in-
Simply put, diversity happens when different to connect people together and leverage their person platforms for discussion can facilitate
things are present. Whether those things are collective insight. meaningful dialogue. Direct communication
skills, talents, ideas, abilities, or thoughts, diversity between multiple stakeholders produces the
occurs when they are proximate to one another. The best economic development plans typically critical content needed for the best strategic
In a nutshell, inclusion happens when diverse reflect the consolidated viewpoints of multiple plans to be produced.
perspectives are incorporated into a decision- stakeholders. Soliciting and synthesizing
making process. Designing growth strategies perspectives of government officials, non-profit Businesses and economies are well positioned
based on different opinions on how to move a leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, residents, to grow when differing perspectives are included
single company - or an entire economy - forward and others will yield rich feedback to chart a in the development and execution of strategic
is a proven route to success. credible path forward. plans. Innovative ideas and strategies spring
forth from organized and genuine efforts
♦ DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION BRINGS incorporating various viewpoints into planning
♦ BUSINESS GROWTH DRIVER INNOVATION initiatives.
Regardless of where a business is on its growth Wisdom is found in a multitude of counselors.
trajectory, a corporate culture valuing diversity Bringing different people and perspectives Businesses flourish when diverse talent within their
and inclusion will boost morale, enhance to the table during strategic planning avoids ranks is captured and channeled into creating

productivity, and create value. Companies are “group think” and embraces “innovative think.” and selling valuable goods or services. Thriving
owned and operated by people. The gifts and Breakthrough innovation occurs when fresh new businesses are the backbone of successful
talents inherent within all team members should thinking is brought to age old problems. economies. Economies prosper when diverse
be respected, embraced, and appreciated. skills among the citizenry are honed, harnessed,
Business and economic growth follows and plugged into productive endeavors. A
Successful businesses with large and complicated innovation. Wise corporate and community collaborative strategic planning process yields
operations understand the upside of having leaders understand this truth and welcome a an agreeable, actionable, and attainable vision.

14. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL CEOS KNOW YOUR PURPOSE
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