Connect with
Customers Through Workplace Diversity
Diversity , and the unique perspectives it brings , can help unlock potential and propel your business forward — both internally and externally .
When you hire employees with different backgrounds , ethnicities , gender , and skillsets , you ’ re gaining fresh perspectives and new voices that will foster the transformation of ideas while also challenging the status quo . “ Talent has no race , no religion , no sexual orientation , no age ,” says Wendy Clark , CEO of advertising agency DDB Worldwide North America .
Clark believes that creating a diverse company culture — where employees can come into work every day as their unique selves — can position companies to be more competitive in the marketplace . After all , most businesses have a diverse customer base , made up of people who buy the same product but who likely desire varied features and / or experiences .
To better understand customer wants or expectations , hire individuals from different cultures and environments . Gather employee insights and experiences to define audience behavior . Such tactics can help you assess demand and make sure your business stays in sync with customers .
Hiring Tip : Look to technology when trying to diversify your company . Online hiring services can evaluate successors from within the company while removing any trace of favoritism or bias . Headhunter firms can provide lists of outside hires who fit your desired qualifications , while also being more inclusive .
DITCH THE STATUS QUO with Disruptive Leadership
In an increasingly competitive marketplace , many businesses are rejecting complacency to adopt a more disruptive approach . Instead of merely reacting to change , disruptive companies gain advantage by creating positive change through fearless innovation and agility . Learn how your company can shake up a stagnant market by adopting these stand-out qualities exhibited by top disruptive leaders .
THINKING CREATIVELY Disruptive leaders intuitively apply innovative thinking to solve problems and manage others . They seek to discover breakthroughs , rather than relying on the old adage , “ If it ain ’ t broke , don ’ t fix it .”
PLANNING ADAPTIVELY Though all good leaders should be proactive in planning for the future , a disruptive leader must also be agile and open to change . These leaders actually embrace surprises and view them as opportunity for growth .
ADOPTING CANDOR AS POLICY Disruptive leaders don ’ t coddle their teams in an effort to keep the waters calm . Their perspective : a little rough water might shake things up enough to effect much-needed change .
STAYING VISIBLE Teams needs more than a figurehead to thrive through the challenges of change . Accordingly , disruptive leaders can be found at the center of the action , personally guiding the process .
PUSHING BOUNDARIES Regardless of how things used to be done , disruptive leaders question everything . They also seem to intuitively know which norms can be broken for better outcomes .
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