diversity

Valuing diversity can come easily to some and pose difficult for others. Pg 86 Harris) Overcoming our complex and deeply ingrained biases and prejudices against people different from ourselves can prove a difficult stumbling block to our effective use of diverse perspectives in small group and organizational settings.” I felt a powerful quote from the reading was “Beyond tolerance, it is the willingness to seek out, listen to, and appreciate difference that will be our greatest asset as we participate in diverse small groups.” In order to achieve harmony and hence allow valuing diversity to occur more naturally we need to actively pursue shared meaning. The text makes absolute statements about agreeableness, neuroticism, and conscientiousness and how they all are impacted by culture, and how each trait influences the group perception, experience, and purpose. If need be for some group members, conquering stereotypes, the entire group benefits from diversity. “ The more diverse the members of the group the greater the potential for variteties of interaction and therefore the greater potential for arriving at new and creative solutions. “ (pg 81) I can think of obvious examples, such as language. My company has numerous employees from varying backgrounds, and it really benefits the customer and therefore the company. I love seeing the team work individually and see how much humor, empathy and common goals keep us grounded