How to Encourage Diverse Perspectives Video

Our different cultures, backgrounds, experiences, and personalities mean that we all think differently. We all have different opinions, ideas, and experiences to share.

In the workplace, we should make the most of this kind of diversity because not only can it drive innovation, but it can also drive profit. In diverse teams, members are more aware of potential biases that blind them to key information, so they're more likely to focus on the facts. They also make decisions more carefully.

Diverse teams consider different perspectives and people are more open to thinking about their own opinions and actions. And organizations run by culturally diverse teams are more likely to develop new products. They bring a rich pool of ideas to the table and connect with a wider range of customers.

But recruiting a diverse team isn't enough. You need to unlock their diversity of thought. Let's look at how you can do this.

To increase diversity of thought, try cultivating some creative abrasion   . In other words, don't aim for consensus. Instead, try to encourage different views that stimulate innovation.

Encourage people to open up. You can invite new perspectives by admitting you're stuck and asking your team for help. This shows people it's okay to try out new ideas and make mistakes along the way. If some people are reluctant to open up, encourage them to share ideas at one-on-ones or in your group chat. Even if you don't go ahead with their idea, simply hearing them out will show that you appreciate them and value their opinions.

Innovative companies come up with creative ways to encourage different perspectives. Some have Job Swap programs, where employees take on a colleague's role. Others send managers "back to the shop floor   ." If that's not practical, something as simple as swapping desks can shift your team's perspectives because it allows them to talk to different colleagues and hear about different experiences.

Sometimes getting fresh perspectives is about using the right language and asking the right questions. Research shows that even hearing the word "feedback" can trigger a negative reaction. So, make idea sharing a relaxed and informal part of people's jobs. Encourage your team to seek out opinions from their peers, collect their responses, and talk them over with managers.

Finally, try to let go of the idea that there's only one right way to do things. Instead, create a culture where people feel accepted and listened to and where they feel comfortable to share ideas without fear of judgment.

If you want to learn more about encouraging diverse perspectives, see the article   that accompanies this video.