The Value of Diverse Leadership

Dr. Martin Luther King’s holiday has closed out, and leaders need to help continue King’s dream of diversity worldwide. I’d like to post thoughts on our opportunities to fulfill Dr. King’s legacy. Part of Doctor King’s vision was that we are judged on our character and not the color of our skin. In leadership, character is necessary as it defines the attributes, skills, and knowledge a leader needs. Great leaders have always found a way to execute inclusion in their organizations, teams, and formations.

A Military ―Diversity Summit‖ Produced This Definition: Diversity leadership ―deals with ways in which people and groups relate to one another and how management [leadership] decisions are made in the midst of the differences, similarities, and tensions among groups‖ (Lim, Cho, & Curry, 2008).

Abraham Lincoln was highlighted in Doris Goodwin’s book Team of Rivals for reaching across the aisle to build his best team to lead the best nation. Good leaders will go that extra effort to make the relationships work because they understand the value you get out of a cohesive and integrated team.

I would challenge readers to consider the following takeaways to keep the dream alive:

• Build effective teams through efficient and diverse relationships.
• Challenge your team to see diversity as an enabler rather than a weight.
• Develop positive outcomes with groups that mix different skills, genders, and faces.

Getting the best meal, many times, means mixing up the right ingredients. Mix well, leaders!