Why is Diversity So Important
Diversity – the concept of understanding that each individual is unique, and that each of our individual differences share a purpose in society. Unfortunately, diversity has not always been embraced. But as we continue to grow as a society, we are starting to see the importance of bringing difference races, nationalities, religions, and sexes together as one team and community. And doing so holds a number of advantages for communities and groups. Let’s take a look at three major benefits that come along with diversity:
1) Diversity drives creativity and innovation
Every culture, every nationality, every single person sees the world in a different way. Similarly, every culture, nationality, and person has different knowledge, perspectives, and points of view. When all of these different views are shared together, miracles can happen. Think about it. How do you learn? In order for us to learn something new, we need to be taught by someone who already has that knowledge and experience. If our teachers throughout school didn’t have any different knowledge and experience than us, than we would never learn anything from them. The same goes for different cultures and backgrounds. If everyone was exactly the same, no one would ever learn anything because there would be no knowledge to teach. But because this is not the case, we can all learn something by listening to people with different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds than us. And when we learn something new, we might just spark a sense of creativity within ourselves. Remember, two brains are better than one, and the more diverse we are, the more we have to learn from each other.
2) Higher rates of Productivity and Performance
Studies have actually shown that organizations that promote diversity and inclusion are happier and more productive than ones who don’t. Why? Because having a more diverse group of people means you will have a more diverse set of skills. Again, this goes back to individual differences. No two people are the same, and no two people have the same skill set. What one person lacks in skill, another may prove to be an expert at. And when we put all of our skills together, we can get more done. Period.
Imagine the kinds of ideas 30 different people from different cultures, backgrounds, races, religions, and sexes could come up with for improving the community!?
3) Personal Growth
Diversity is an awesome way for us to explore our inner curiosities. It gives us the opportunity to live outside of our comfort zone, enhance our learning, and develop an overall sense of personal growth. How? In order to progress in our own personal development, we must take the time to ask questions and learn about various topics. The more diverse our social group, the more we have to learn. Embracing different cultures can help you to learn new languages, explore new traditions, and gain valuable insights. Visit China and you may learn how to explore your spiritual side, visit Italy and you may have the opportunity to indulge in new culinary experiences, visit Ethiopia and you may learn to be thankful for the things you have. Every new country, and every new person can bring you different insights and progress your personal development if you are willing to explore and listen.
Of course, there are dozens of other benefits that come along with diversity, but these are the three that we find to be the most enlightening. We are all different, and we can all learn from one another – open your heart to diversity and you may just find personal enlightenment at the end.
