Expertise On Demand
Articles by Deborah Van Huis


Strength through Workplace Diversity

Often times the most challenging part of a job is dealing with people we consider to be difficult. Keep in mind that most people do not come to work with the objective of being hard to work with. They want to be a productive and valued employee/peer, want to do a good job and be recognized for that.

Difficulties in workplace relationships frequently result from differences between workers and team members; people have different life experiences, come from different cultures and may have different beliefs. The workforce today is made up of at least four different generations (veterans, baby boomers, gen Xers and gen Yers), people from many cultures and two genders. Each segment of today's workforce has distinct attitudes about work and is motivated by different incentives.

As a result of the broad base of experience that today's workers have, workplace diversity provides companies with a tremendous advantage. Successful managers and leaders master the ability to handle the diversity of their team to avoid difficult situations. The following are some suggestions for gaining strength on your team through workplace diversity:

    Recognize and Celebrate Differences

  1. Be open about the differences represented by your employees and team. Encourage team members to share the unique things about them with others and you. Celebrate the differences.
  2. Inquire about and understand the motivators for each employee. Do not assume that what motivates a baby boomer will be the same thing that motivates a gen Xer.
  3. Be aware of cultural differences. Not all cultures are as direct as Americans. There are also differences in how eye contact, touch and gestures are perceived. Also, words can have different meanings even within the same language.
  4. Encourage members of different generations to work together so that older workers can share their life lessons with younger workers and younger workers can help elders understand their generation.


    5. View Team Members As Individuals

  5. Get rid of your own stereotypical ideas. Interact with each employee or team member as an individual.
  6. Be respectful. Give employees and team members your full attention when speaking with them.
  7. Be generous with praise. When giving praise be genuine. Do not negate the effect or praise by adding a criticism to it.


    8. Dealing with Conflict

  8. When a difficult situation comes up deal with it quickly and openly with the employee(s) involved in a private setting. Even though it's important to handle difficult situations quickly be sure to allow yourself time to prepare. If an employee is angry or made you angry allow for time to cool down before addressing the issue.
  9. Be clear and concise about any criticism that you have for an employee.
Regardless of age, sex or culture, the universal employee motivator is recognition. Being recognized for the work they do is still the most desired part of employee compensation, even more important than money or job security. Keep that in mind to help you become the best leader you can be.

Deborah Van Huis is a proven project management executive with over twenty-five years progressive experience in leading teams to successful execution of business goals. One of her key strengths is being a "big picture" problem-solver who thrives on the excitement and challenge of large, complex projects. Deborah combines degrees in engineering with a Masters of Science in Administration including a concentration in leadership studies. For more information, please contact Deborah Van Huis at dvanhuis@dvhexpertise.com or 1-925-570-4791.