Dimensions of Diversity - Different From & Similar to Each Other

Consider the implications:\r If every single living thing is different from every other thing,\r then diversity becomes life\'s one irreducible fact.\r Only variations are real ... and to see them, you simply have to open your eyes.
\r -- Alfred Kinsey (from the movie, Kinsey)

There are myriad ways individuals are different from and similar to each other. Some of them are listed here:

Inner Circle: Gender ... Age/Generation ... Mental/Physical Abilities ... Race ... Ethnicity ... Sexual Orientation

Outer Ring: Personality Type ... Skills ... Title/Position ... Income ... Profession ... Education ... Appearance ... Religion ... Values ... Parental Status ... Marital Status ... Military Experience

As you look at the attributes in the inner circle, what do they have in common?

We submit that these are fixed and not subject to choice by the individual. As we have labeled them, these are core attributes.

[Age, of course, does change over time, but it is not subject to choice; and one\'s birth date and generation never changes. Some aspects of gender can be changed, but not at a fundamental chromosome or procreation level. And any debate about sexual orientation vs. preference is outside the scope of this article; and, we maintain, outside the scope of appropriate discourse in the workplace.]

What about the attributes in the outer ring? What do they have in common?

These can and do change over time, and are subject to choice by the individual and/or influence by societal factors. Also, many of these secondary attributes are related to and derived from the core attributes. For example, ethnicity and race are reflected in physical appearance and, often, religion; and someone\'s mental and physical abilities will influence his/her skills, position, income, profession and education.

The authors see a certain irony in these two dimensions. With one significant exception, most prejudice, bias and intolerance is based on core attributes. [The one significant exception is religion. Perhaps because much religious intolerance appears to be rooted in ethnic differences. Also, although one\'s religion is subject to choice ... for most people, it is virtually a core attribute.]

However, most of us would say that who we really are as unique individuals lies in our secondary attributes.

For example, two shy, single computer programmers have more in common, even if one is a 40 year old Asian man and the other is a 30 year old white woman ... than an extroverted Secretary of State and an introverted seamstress, both of whom are African American women in their 50\'s.

Activity

Step #1: List the core attributes and secondary attributes down the left side of a sheet of paper. [We recommend that you omit Sexual Orientation.]

Step #2: Complete that list about yourself.\r

\r
• Be as vague as you like, e.g., for Income, Age or Religion.
\r
• Reveal only what you choose to.
\r
• When in doubt, write your self-perception, e.g., Inherent Abilities, Appearance, etc.
\r

Step #3: Have others (e.g., coworkers, friends, spouse) do the same about themselves.

Step #4: Review together your differences and similarities.

Did you learn anything new about the other persons? About yourself?

The Grimmes conduct customized onsite training workshops and large group presentations for organizations in every sector of the economy. Their groundbreaking book on managing people in today\'s workplace will be published by AMACOM in the second half of 2008. Visit their main website at http://www.GHR-Training.com and topic-specific http://www.Employee-Retention-HQ.com and read issues of their own e-newsletter at http://www.WorkplacePeopleSolutions.com

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