Whitepaper: Diversity and SOCIAL STYLE®

What is Diversity?

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Diversity in the workplace is a critical focus for many large organizations, with efforts to foster inclusivity and raise awareness through diversity training programs. However, these initiatives often fall short of achieving their intended results, leaving individuals uncertain about how to translate this awareness into practical steps for benefitting from a diverse workforce. One of the root issues is the lack of a clear and comprehensive definition of diversity, which should be seen as an inclusive process encompassing any dimension that distinguishes one person or group from another. This understanding is essential because every individual, regardless of background, contributes unique perspectives and abilities, and the objective is to teach people how to leverage these differences for business success.

SOCIAL STYLE plays a significant role in the context of diversity, as it describes variations and commonalities in people’s inherent behaviors and work preferences, aiming to educate individuals on how to manage these preferences to enhance productivity and effectiveness. Irrespective of one’s ethnicity, age, or nationality, their behavioral preferences correspond to a particular Social Style. This universal applicability means that one of the most effective ways to work successfully is by understanding the Social Style of others, thereby opening the gateway to effective collaboration and communication.

Social Style concepts contribute to the bottom line in various ways, including fostering understanding and interaction among people from diverse cultures and societies. Working across cultural boundaries is not only commonplace but necessary. Challenges can arise due to language differences, cultural nuances, global politics, and varying concepts of authority structures and relationships. To bridge these gaps and create a solid foundation for success, building trust and strong personal relationships is crucial, especially in cultures where relationship development is a prerequisite for professional collaboration. Social Style offers a valuable tool for achieving this by objectively observing people’s behaviors to understand their Style preferences. With the application of Versatility skills, individuals can tailor their interactions to make others feel more comfortable within their behavioral comfort zones.

For example, when working with individuals from China, where people tend to be more direct and tell-assertive on average, understanding these behavioral tendencies in advance can help establish rapport. By recognizing and adapting to these preferences, individuals can navigate cross-cultural interactions more effectively, bridging gaps and fostering productive relationships. This level of cultural understanding and Versatility is invaluable for international business interactions, enhancing teamwork, communication, and overall success.