B y C a r l o s E . C o r t é s

Diversity, Change & Leadership

DIVERSITY

1. People are both individuals and members of multiple groups.

2. Those groups influence (but do not determine) the lives of people who belong to them.

3. Each individual is partially shaped by he constellation of groups to which she or he belongs.

4. Groups have patterns (often known as culture). Therefore, members of different groups have patterned differences.

5. Learning about groups provides clues to individuals who belong to these groups.

6. Concerning diversity: Thing in generalizations, not stereotypes. Think in group intersections, not silos.

LeadershipChallenge

Compo

sition

Culture

Context (Government)

Conscio

usness

Change

You

US Society

The Globe

DIMENSIONS OF DIVERSITY

Gender

Sexual Orientation

Globalization

Religion

DisabilityAge/Generation

Language

Race/Ethnicity

Diversity Matrix

Equity

Effectiveness

Internal External

CHALLENGES OF LEADERSHIP IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY

1. Understanding – Draw constructively and flexibly on knowledge about groups, while using that knowledge as a clue and a generalization, not as an assumption or stereotype about individuals.

2. Balance – Foster the development of common goals while drawing upon the strengths of diversity in order to work toward those goals.

3. Limits – Accommodate constructively to diversity while also determining which accommodations are reasonable and which need to be limited.

4. Equity – Work toward equity by determining when it is appropriate to treat all people alike and when it is appropriate to treat them differently.

5. Communication – Facilitate constructive, civil dialogues about polarizing, emotion-laden issues.

6. Complexity – Continuously develop your understanding of the changes in and complexities of diversity, including your ability to grapple with diversity’s inevitable ethical dilemmas.

CHALLENGES OF LEADERSHIP IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY