Diversity has its Moments

It's no wonder why many corporations and industries savor any information they can pass on to their employees concerning diversity in the workplace. Even though this country was founded on basic notions of combining different cultures to create a new "world" for their future generations to survive, today we seem to have forgotten how differences between people can and have contributed positively to our everyday lives. Why it is that we are so quick to place blame and judgement on others just because they are different? Why do we so easily overlook how another person's opinions might just be helpful? Why are we so quick to reject ideas of others?

There has always existed problems in human behavior where people do not like change. And getting them to act on making changes can be like pulling teeth! But funny how many times once the "change" is in place and people have become comfortable, they look back and appreciate what the change has done.

I do not think it can hurt to at least open up our minds to listen to others and their ideas. I am not saying we must agree immediately; but what if we take the time to actively listen, ponder the pros and cons, and then after we have carefully thought out the idea, possibly take a small chance and try something new. We might surprise ourselves. Our fore fathers did just that and that is why our great nation has progressed as much as it has in technology, business, etc.

If nothing else, just actively listening to another person's ideas and thoughts can help us relate to them and it can help them feel valued as a person. Someone has taken the time to stop and hear what they have said. Think about the many teenagers that believe adults do not listen to them. Is this really true? I do not believe today's teens really want you to agree with them -  I think they just want to be heard; having someone attentively listen to them helps build their self esteem.

Are you willing to give it a try? Are you ready to open yourself to new ideas and possible new "things" that will help you grow? Not only can you help promote healthy relationships in the workplace, but you can be considered an asset to the business because you are actively involved with making the business environment, and products and services, better and more productive.