Page 47 - FDI Alliance International Magazine. Winter 2020 Digital Interactive Issue.

When the culture of each member of a team and/or organization is
understood and respected, these differences transform from barriers
to synergistic catalysts.

Many organizations have made great strides to hire and retain diverse
talent. But that alone doesn’t mean these organizations are inclusive.
Diversity is an excellent start, but inclusion is what is really needed to
move organizations to the next level.

At present, we mostly see diversity WITHOUT inclusion. Many
organizations employ members from various groups, yet many of
those powerful voices are never heard. We are on the brink of an
extraordinary change as organizations become aware of this major
problem, and look for solutions to fix it.

So how can organizations become more inclusive?

In order to be truly inclusive, an organization must listen to and factor
in the thoughts, opinions, and solutions of all of the diverse people,
on all levels, whom they employ. This can be as simple as asking for
feedback in a meeting, to having a dedicated process set up where
all employees can provide input. And then those thoughts must be
considered and applied to the decision-making process.

As organizations become aware of the dire need to better understand
and utilize cultural diversity as a competitive advantage to both survive
and thrive, we will see a rise in inclusion as well.

ROBERT MAISEL
CROSS-CULTURAL CONSULTANT

+1 917 727 1492

robert.w.maisel@gmail.com

www.RobMaisel.com

47. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL