Page 122 - FLL Virtual Binder 2018

Exploring Differences
With the pace of change and globalization, today’s workplaces are becoming increasingly diverse. Diversity refers to all of the differences that affect how we think, act, and communicate. Differences can relate to a person’s country of origin, language, work styles, sexual orientation, age, family or background. These differences affect how each of us thinks and acts and can also influence how, when, and with whom we communicate.
Differences are also reflected in the vast spectrum of individual values. The way these values are manifest in the workplace can present challenges and opportunities to an organization. In a Continuous Improvement Environment, leaders tap into the array of talents, styles, and skills that employees bring to the workplace in order to enhance problem solving and innovation.
Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. (Albert Einstein)
We tend to gravitate towards people who share the same values as us. Understanding how values drive people’s behaviour in the workplace helps Leaders build positive relationships and draw out the best in their employees.
Exercise: People’s behaviours are guided by the values and beliefs they hold. What types of behaviours might be demonstrated by people who hold these values?
People who value this...
Might demonstrate these behaviours:
Professionalism
.....
Authority
Knowledge
Structure
Privacy
Variety
Front Line Leadership Module: Dealing with Differences
122