“The Business Case for Diversity: It’s Right, It’s Smart, and It’s Profitable”

What Sondra Says About “The Business Case for Diversity: It’s Right, It’s Smart, and It’s Profitable”

“I must admit that in the early years of the diversity field, there were those who exaggerated the business case for diversity. I might have been among them. Today, that exaggeration is no longer possible. Whether we are talking about the global marketplace, the need for perpetual creativity and innovation, or the shrinking workforce, the business case for diversity is here to stay. This presentation seeks to convince audiences that, if they care about business success, they must care about diversity.” S.B.T.

Target Audience: Team members and leaders who need to believe in the positive impact that a properly managed diverse workforce has on business results.

Format: This topic is available as either a keynote/general session talk or break-out session.

Program Benefits:

• Increased receptivity to diversity initiatives
• Enhanced motivation to recruit and retain diverse team members
• Enhanced motivation to learn how to manage diversity effectively
• Increased incentive to reach out to vendors of all backgrounds

Client Description: (This description is designed to aid the client in his or her decision-making process. Specific content may vary according to client needs and/or the development of new material.)

Making the business case for diversity has not always been an easy task. In fact, many of us have been guilty of over-stating the business value of recruiting and maintaining a productive diverse workforce. Fortunately, it is no longer possible to fall into this trap – diversity has been proven repeatedly to benefit the bottom line of corporations in all parts of the country.

This research-based presentation uses real-workplace examples and hard data to show audiences that, yes, diversity is the right thing to do, but it also has a measurable impact on the bottom line. Included in the ways that diversity positively impacts business are:

• The fact that people of diverse backgrounds bring a variety of life experiences and thinking styles to the table. Studies have consistently shown that employees exposed to such opposing views exert more cognitive effort, attend to more aspects of the situation, and are more likely to detect novel solutions or come to new decisions. (Scientific American Mind)
• The fact that a staff that reflects a variety of cultures can – if properly chosen and trained – serve as a valuable conduit to diverse customers around the globe.
• The fact that some diverse individuals will have valuable insights into the needs and wants of members of their group. Those insights, in turn, can result in lucrative product development and marketing ideas.
• The fact that between declining education and poor retention policies, it is likely that the next 20 years will see a shortage of workers running as high as 35 million. Even if this figure is exaggerated, there is little doubt that employers will have no choice but to look for qualified employees in all segments of the population.
• The fact that customers, clients, and shareholders respond positively to vendors/companies who have diverse workforces. In fact, there are numerous examples of business relationships that have been formed – or lost – because of the presence or absence of diversity on the vendors team.

Having discussed the key ways in which a diverse workforce can benefit business, the point is then made that these benefits are not automatic. Unless the organization creates an environment in which the kind of innovative ideas and team synergy just described can flourish, the business benefit of a diverse workforce will lie dormant.

Promotional Description:(This description is for use in the meeting brochure or other program promotion.)

What does diversity have to do with me? Does it really have a positive impact on the bottom line of my organization or is that just politically correct rhetoric?

These are fair questions. This candid fact-based presentation seeks to answer them with real workplace examples and hard data. Yes, diversity is good for business and, no, it is not just politically correct rhetoric. Through a combination of workplace anecdotes, academic research, and business examples, the audience will learn exactly why diversity is more than just “the right thing to do.”

Book Sondra to speak on “The Business Case for Diversity: It’s Right, It’s Smart, and It’s Profitable” or on a customized talk designed to meet your specific needs.

To check on Sondra’s availability or to receive additional information including a demonstration tape and references, please contact the bureau who sent you to this site or:

Joan Pierce
Marketing Director
Cross-Cultural Communications
4585 48th Street
San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: 619-583-4478 / 800-858-4478
Fax: 619-583-0304
E-mail: STPhD@Thiederman.com