Guy Farmer - Diversity Trainer

Moving to New Location

2010-03-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm consolidating my blogs at http://guyfarmer.com/blog. I'll be focusing on diversity, team building, leadership and effective communication training ideas for thoughtful and creative people. Look forward to seeing you over there.

Take care,

Guy
www.guyfarmer.com

Key Diversity Outcomes for Business

2010-02-25T06:26:00.000-08:00

Business people frequently ask me why they should care at all about diversity. This is a very natural question and my answer is usually related to what direction the business wishes to go in. Certain policies and behaviors lead in one direction while others create different results. The outcome is up to each company. Think about the following outcomes when thinking about how to create a diversity friendly environment, these are the potential payoffs for your company of paying attention to diversity.

1. Increased trust.
2. Greater collaboration.
3. Resolution of differences.
4. Improved communication.
5. Better staff cohesion.

Now think of the effects of each of these five outcomes and project what each of them might do for your company's bottom line. Imagine if your company excels in even one area. What would happen if it achieved all five?

Companies who commit to making diversity a positive force in the workplace reap substantial benefits because they get rid obstacles to success. The good news is that businesses can move in this direction at any time by planning and implementing a diversity strategy that, over time, leads to the outcomes we've listed. All it takes is sustained effort and commitment.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Training

The Impact of Senior Leadership Commitment on Diversity and Inclusion

2010-02-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

A comprehensive study by ORC Worldwide on how leadership commitment affects diversity initiatives in the workplace.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Training

What is Diversity?

2010-02-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

Companies and organizations are increasingly aware of the benefits of a diverse workforce. Diversity is not just a buzzword that creates extra work for human resources departments, it is a tangible asset that can be used to benefit the organization.

First a brief definition of diversity. I have worked with many companies to help them overcome the challenges diversity presents and each company defines diversity differently. I don't believe in complicating things so I propose the following definition:

Workplace Diversity

The issues related to developing a workplace that is uniformly inclusive and encourages meaningful participation from all individuals in the organization regardless of background.

This brief definition gets rid of a lot of the noise related to diversity. We tend to ask too many questions and stumble around issues like race, age, gender, disability and culture when all we really want to do is help our employees get along.

Astute human resources departments understand the benefits of designing policies that draw from the talent pool and encourage productivity and innovation. Why would any company limit the potential of the employees unless it expressly wanted to limit its own success?

If you are in human resources or are a manager looking for ideas to increase inclusiveness then you might consider the following diversity-boosting ideas.

1. Hire based on qualifications required for a specific job.
2. Strive to create as varied a mix of people in your workplace as possible.
3. Ask your managers to actively identify people's talents and use them.
4. Require that people leave their prejudices at the door.
5. Create opportunities for the growth and success of all your employees.
6. Set up an ongoing training program that helps individuals discuss diversity.
7. Create a comprehensive written strategy for increasing diversity in your workplace.
8. Practice these approaches over time.

Diversity is not a mystery and is easily incorporated into the culture of any organization. It requires buy-in and commitment starting from the top. The rewards are impressive. Many companies report increased innovation, productivity, morale and team effectiveness when they implement a thoughtful plan to boost diversity.

Diversity is not a destabilizing force it is an opportunity to harness the power of the varying and amazing talents of your workforce. Those who understand this potential succeed at high levels.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Training

Diversity and Building Relationships

2010-02-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

Diversity is about building strong relationships with others. We frequently get caught up in the superficial attributes of our differences while forgetting how much we have in common. Building relationships is one of the most direct ways to get rid of a "difference based" model of diversity.

When we focus on differences only we tend to behave in ways that emphasize the things we don't share. If, however, we give more importance to simply building relationships with each other we tend to look for the things that will bring us closer together.

Building relationships seems like an obvious or simplistic solution to complex issues but think about it for a moment; how can anyone expect to build bridges between people without building relationships. When people consciously put their efforts toward connecting with each other and promoting meaningful relationships, differences seem to melt away and we become aware of the possibilities of connecting with each other.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Training

Why Diversity Matters to Your Company

2010-01-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

Businesses are frequently faced with managing diverse staff and bringing them together to support the mission of the company. Companies have realized the benefit of creating a workplace that harnesses the energy of different people and draws from their diverse talents and abilities.

In today's workplace, diversity is no longer an abstract concept but an opportunity to strengthen your business. Here are some focus questions that will help your company begin to formulate a diversity plan.

* What is our company's overarching philosophy on diversity?
* What does our workforce look like?
* What are the elements that unite us?
* How do we address differences?
* How do we bring disparate elements together?
* Does our company have a coherent policy to address diversity?
* Is our diversity policy enforced and practiced at all levels?
* Does our workforce reflect diversity at all levels?

Once you have thought through these concepts you will be at a point where you can begin to develop a philosophy, a strategy as well as policies and procedures that will guide you successfully into the future.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Training

Allocating Business Resources for Diversity

2009-12-04T18:19:00.000-08:00

An article from law.com on allocating resource to support diversity initiatives.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Training

Understanding Difference

2009-11-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

An article on diversitybusiness.com on getting past discrimination and promoting diversity in your company by understanding difference.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Training

Diversity Training Made Easy

2009-11-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

Say "Diversity Training" in some companies and everyone runs screaming. It doesn't have to be that way. Here's an article from exchangemagazine.com on avoiding common traps of diversity training.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Training

Diversity and Profit

2009-10-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

An interesting article from US Banker on the effect of diversity on profits.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Training

Diversity Perceptions

2009-09-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

An article from DiversityBusiness.com on how to re-focus your business or organization's view on diversity.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Training

How to Implement Diversity Training

2009-08-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

An article from Hampton Roads website on the pitfalls of diversity training.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Training

Reduce Sexism, Racism Etc. in the Workplace

2009-07-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

An article from Workforce Management website on how to reduce "Isms" in the workplace.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Training

It's Not about the Differences

2009-06-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

Think about this proposition: Diversity is about celebrating differences but not exclusively so. I write this because what often gets left behind is a focus on the things we have in common. When we work from the things we share we open the door to many opportunities to connect including some of the following.

1. Learning more about others.
2. Building empathy.
3. Removing barriers.
4. Moving away from us vs. them.
5. Creating a common bond.

When we work on creating a new collaboration with people we move away from focusing on differences. Working together and arriving a common solutions brings us together in ways that pointing out differences never can. Everyone knows we are different in many ways, fewer realize we have many things in common.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Training

What is Diversity and Why Should You Care

2009-06-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

Many people I talk with stare blankly when I talk about diversity. I frequently wonder whether people even realize that diversity is all around them.

Think of your regular workplace. Are there two people who think exactly alike? Do any two people look exactly the same? Does everyone have the same leadership style? Does everyone have exactly the same knowledge? Did everyone grow up exactly the same way?

I could go on and but the point is that every workplace is made up of people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This isn't due to some cosmic plan, it's just that no two people are alike. So why is it that people get all bent out of shape about diversity?

Perhaps it's just that we don't like to think about new and different things. Humans are generally resistant to change but are amazingly capable of assimilating it over time.

Why should you care about diversity? It really comes down to getting stuff done. Imagine if everyone on your team felt included. Think about what would happen if you could get rid of much of the problems related to people not getting along at work. What would your business look like if people trusted each other and worked as a team?

Diversity can be a powerful tool for businesses and individuals to succeed. It allows you to harness and use the wide range of talents and experience of your workforce. Best of all it makes sure that everyone is part of a thriving team rather than the alternative.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Training

Common Misconceptions about Diversity Training

2009-05-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

An article from ourtimetoact.com on the common misconceptions about diversity.

Regards,

Guy

A Different Kind of Diversity Training

Expanding the Diversity Dialogue

2009-05-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

An article from thecompletelawyer.com on initiatives to expand diversity discourse by various organizations.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Training

Social Discomfort Increases Group Performance

2009-05-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

An article from itbusinessedge.com on how introducing someone different into a social situation can improve the group's performance.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Training

Increase Profits and Sales with Diversity

2009-04-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

An article from insciences.org on how diversity can help increase profits and boost sales.

Regards,

Guy Farmer

Diversity Training

Diversity Worst Practices

2009-04-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

An article from americandiversityreport.com on the ways diversity practices can go awry in companies.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Training

Colorblindness in the Workplace

2009-03-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

An article on the effect of colorblindness in the workplace.

Regards,

Guy

Diversity Training

Eliminating Bias in Organizations

2009-03-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

An article from thecompletelawyer.com on eliminating bias in organizations.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Consultant

Rebuilding Diversity Perceptions

2009-03-05T16:03:00.000-08:00

An article from diversitybusiness.com about rebuilding companies' perceptions of diversity.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Training

Diversity: A Tool for Problem-Solving and Innovation

2009-03-05T15:54:00.000-08:00

An article from examiner.com on how diversity is a tool for problem solving and innovation.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Consulting

Women Executives and High Profitability

2009-03-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

An article from miller-mccune.com on the consistent correlation between women executives and high profitability.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Consultant

What You Can Personally Do to Promote Diversity and Inclusion

2009-02-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

I get a lot of questions from my clients about what are some practical things they can do promote diversity and inclusion in their organizations. They frequently seem focused on policies and procedures but there is one basic thing we can look at to profoundly affect our workplace environment, our own behavior. Think about the power you have to make your business or organization a welcoming and safe place. You can set the agenda and the tone which will then guide your entire operation just by setting an example. Some of the things to consider are:

1. Treat everyone equally without consideration for age, race, culture, physical ability or religious background and without setting them up for failure or ridicule.

2. Have non-punitive systems in place to deal with conflicts that arise from people having different points of view and backgrounds.

3. Ongoing dialogue and education on diversity.

4. A forum for people to vent opinions without retribution, conversely, denigrating another person.

5. A zero tolerance policy for that is backed up with educational opportunities to modify behavior.

6. A workplace that rewards people who work well with others.

7. Elimination and discouraging of cliques.

8. Political correctness viewed as a tool to help people work together productively rather than a term that implies being able to say whatever you want about anyone, anytime.

9. Ongoing training on diversity and inclusion from the top down, everyone required to attend.

10. Diversity and inclusion included in the values statement or mission of the company.

These ten items are the building blocks of inclusion and promoting diversity. They are not difficult in and of themselves if you value them in your organization and institute them on a daily basis. People tend to perform based on the expectations we put on them and the example we set. When executives and managers commit to following these principles they show their workforce that inclusion is a high priority at the company, not a painful and infrequent training they have to suffer through.

These ideas can be implemented without creating chaos in workplaces. It simply requires a commitment form the top down and ongoing training and support to build in accountability. Think about yourself for a moment and how many of these points you follow daily. To be a truly diverse workplace you will hopefully be personally behaving this way most of the time.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Trainer

Leaders that Look Beyond Labels

2009-01-28T14:36:00.000-08:00

An article from sucessmagazine.com on leaders being able to look beyond labels.

Regards,

Guy
I help get rid of labels.

Diversity in South Dakota

2009-01-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

An article from aberdeenews.com on how diversity came to South Dakota.

Regards,

Guy
Helping your business profit from diversity.

California Leading Diversity

2009-01-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

An article from jobjournal.com on diversity practices in California.

Regards,

Guy
I help businesses use diversity to their advantage.

Pros and Cons of Diversity Training

2009-01-21T10:31:00.000-08:00

An article from the Courant.com on who needs diversity training, it's pros and cons.

Regards,

Guy
I make diversity easy.

Change and Diversity

2008-12-31T11:50:00.001-08:00

So much of diversity and change has to do with restructuring the way we do things in the workplace to include new ideas and approaches. It's natural for people to become apprehensive when changes occur in the workplace. This could be a new copy machine, a new procedure, a different mission, a change of leadership or changes in the composition of the workforce.

As with anything new, people have a remarkable ability to adapt to any changes. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you deal with change in any form. Challenge yourself to come up with answers even if you initially can't think of any.

1. What can I do to use this change to improve my company?
2. What benefits does this change bring?
3. What skills or abilities does this new employee/changing workforce bring?
4. What can I personally do today to welcome this change?
5. What things do I have in common with this changing landscape?

When you look at these questions you begin to demystify change. As we all know, change is inevitable. These questions will help you create a workplace that truly functions based on that principle.

Regards,

Guy
Helping make diversity easier.

Diversity Assessment Best Practices for Business

2008-12-31T11:45:00.000-08:00

A diversity assessment from the American Hotel and Lodging Association in conjunction with the National MultiCultural Institute.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Workshops for Your Business

A City Looks at Diversity Hiring

2008-12-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

An article from myrecordjournal.com on how the city of Meriden, Connecticut looked at its diversity hiring practices.

Regards,

Guy
I help make inclusion easy.

Diversity and Business Schools

2008-12-31T11:30:00.000-08:00

An article from HispanicBusiness.com on corporate recruiters asking business schools to diversify their student population.

Regards,

Guy
Leadership Training that Promotes Diversity

Does Your Business Have a Definition of Diversity?

2008-12-27T10:29:00.000-08:00

An article from hispanicbusiness.com about how businesses define diversity.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Training

How Many Corporate Directors Want Diversity on their Boards?

2008-12-23T22:49:00.000-08:00

An article from marketwatch.com highlighting the findings of a survey of corporate directors regarding boards and diversity in the workplace.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
I help companies build diversity.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Honors Diversity

2008-12-23T22:44:00.000-08:00

An article from the Houston Chronicle online (chron.com) on PricewaterhouseCoopers' commitment to supporting employees of all backgrounds.

Regards,

Guy
I help companies use diversity to their advantage.

Empathy and Diversity

2008-12-18T09:50:00.001-08:00

One of the key skills that people building diversity programs can benefit from is empathy. This often-used but seldom-understood term is the underpinning of much of the practice of inclusion. It consists of a basic question, "What am I doing today to ensure that I fully understand how another person experiences the world?"

We have a limitless capability to understand others but it requires discipline and putting our own experience of the world on the shelf and stand back an enjoy learning about other human beings. People run into challenges when they see diversity as a necessary evil and then proceed to ram their own ideas down each others' throats. Everyone stands around pontificating about how it should be but nobody stays still long enough to really get to know someone else.

Ask yourself the following questions next time you are building any kind of diversity initiative for your business, organization or in your life.

1. Do I fully understand what this person is thinking?

2. Have I removed myself completely from the equation?

3. How can I include the other person's beliefs/behaviors in my own life starting today?

4. What percentage of my time is spent listening to others?

5. What have I done today to boost inclusion and build diversity?

Diversity doesn't have to be a scary or foreboding concept. We can actually use it to become more open to ideas and can literally build a path toward innovation and greater collaboration. Those who practice these ideas benefit from moving beyond their own experience and harness the power of other people's experiences.

Take care,

Guy
Diversity Training Services

Managers Hiring for Diversity

2008-12-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

An article from diversity-executive.com on the challenges managers face when trying to hire for diversity.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
I help managers use diversity to their advantage.

The State of the Diversity Business

2008-12-05T11:39:00.001-08:00

An article from ajc.com on the state of the diversity business.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Trainer

American Diversity Like a Salad

2008-12-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

An article form Advertiser-Tribune.com on American diversity.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Consulting

Expand Your Business View of Diversity

2008-12-05T11:32:00.000-08:00

An article from MediaPost.com on how business can benefit from expanding its view on diversity.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Consultant

Creating an Inclusive Workplace Environment

2008-12-05T11:26:00.000-08:00

An article from DiversityBusiness.com on creating an inclusive workplace environment.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Training

Diversity Beyond Compliance

2008-12-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

An article from diversitybestpractices.com on how Sun Microsystems creates and inclusive environment.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Consultant

Diversity Is Not the Answer

2008-12-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

Organizations get stuck thinking of diversity as a challenge to be overcome. Here's an article from diversitybestpractices.com on why diversity is not the answer (because it's not the problem).

Regards,

Guy Farmer
I help businesses use diversity to their advantage.

You Can Get Rid of Bias

2008-11-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

An article from DiversityBusiness.com on getting rid of bias.

Regards,

Guy
I help people get rid of bias.

Successes and Challenges of Diversity Programs

2008-11-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

An article from Gazette.net on building bridges with workplace diversity programs.

Regards,

Guy
I help businesses benefit from diversity.

One Out of Four Encounter Workplace Discrimination

2008-11-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

An article from Marketwatch.com on discrimination in the workplace.

Regards,

Guy
I help people work together.

Boost Sales with Diversity

2008-11-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

An article from Newswise.com on how supporting diversity can help minority employees increase sales effectiveness.

Regards,

Guy
I help companies use diversity to their advantage.

Do Diversity Programs Work?

2008-11-17T11:44:00.001-08:00

An article from ASTD on why diversity programs may not work and how to lay the groundwork for successful outcomes. Includes input from Steve Robbins.

Regards,

Guy
I help people connect with each other.

Diversity Program in Action

2008-11-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

An article on a diversity program instituted by Xcel Energy, from diversitybusiness.com.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Training Services

Top Diversity Companies

2008-11-17T11:41:00.000-08:00

Diversitybusiness.com ranks companies based on successful diversity programs. See the article here.

Regards,

Guy
Diversity Workshops

Diversity Goals that Fall Short

2008-11-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

An article from The Providence Journal on an Adecco study on how diversity goals fall short.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Training

Diversity Program Components for Business

2008-11-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

An article from Diversity Executive on the different components of an effective diversity program for your business.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Consulting

Inclusion and Diversity Program Development

2008-10-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

An article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette with ideas on how to develop an inclusive diversity program that is part of your company rather than being an add-on.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Consulting

State of Workplace Diversity Management

2008-10-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

News from the Society of Human Resources Management on upcoming HR tools. View it here.

Regards,

Guy Farmer
Diversity Consultant

Welcome to My Diversity Blog

2008-10-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my diversity blog. Diversity has always been a topic of interest for me because I grew up in an environment rich with people from different backgrounds and talents. My experience has taught me that we accomplish more when we work together. I truly enjoy helping people get rid of the old assumptions and ideas that get in the way of team unity.

I work with companies and organizations to help them use diversity to increase success. Diversity is a hot topic in today's workplace. Companies that use diversity to their advantage find that they have a strong pool of talent and perspectives that they can harness to succeed.

My goal is to help people relate to each other and get rid of the noise that gets in the way of people achieving goals together. It's been my pleasure to help people come together and focus on productivity and team cohesiveness.

I hope this blog will allow people to share ideas and resources on diversity.

Regards,

Guy Farmer

Diversity Trainer