Experts have a clear understanding of the potential advantages that diversity brings to teams and organizations.
APM acknowledges that diverse teams generally outperform homogeneous ones. This correlation is increasingly evident in the performance and financial outcomes of organizations.
Does this align with your personal experience?
In a previous section, you explored exceptional and high-performing teams. Based on your own observations, do you see a connection between diversity and performance? Do teams with greater diversity produce superior work? Additionally, what challenges arise when working in highly diverse teams?
We are genuinely interested in hearing about your experiences and thoughts regarding these questions in the discussion section.
In 2020, just a few months after the Coronavirus pandemic had started, we had a building project to start; I was tasked with the responsibility of forming the team for the project. This was a difficult task for me. However, I was able to assemble a team of architects, a mechanical and a civil engineer, because they were all in-house members of the organization. On the site, we had an existing uncompleted structure that was initially designed for residential purposes. After carrying out the cost analysis of demolishing the existing structure and comparing it to the cost of erecting a new structure afresh, we were advised by the project sponsors and stakeholders to convert the existing structure to a commercial one. To do this we first brought in a structural engineer to carry out a structural integrity test specifically known as a non-destructive test using a Schmidt hammer to ascertain the strength of the concrete reinforcements. After the tests was done and results out, it was recommended that to successfully convert and utilize the structure for commercial purposes, columns be introduced from the foundation of the ground floor connecting beams underneath the first-floor slab, at strategic positions to fortify the slab. On the first day after obtaining building approval from the State Housing Authority, we commenced the project and on the second day, the community elders and youths came and requested for settlement called foundation goat. We had to pause the project for some days for the project sponsors to settle the community. Thereafter the project commenced successfully. At intervals, we had to suspend work due to paucity of funds from the sponsors. However, the project has been completed.
The whole process was a learning curve for me as I had to navigate the complexities of project management with adept skill of leadership, team building, and focus. On diversity, yes diverse teams usually out-perform homogenous ones.
Diverse team gets work fastly done with different team ideas, motivations and better decision making.
Adewale Bisola, PM Bootcamp 16 Gp 1.
As a project manager, I’ve observed that diverse teams often outperform homogeneous ones. Diversity brings unique perspectives, ideas, and experiences, leading to:
1. _Innovative problem-solving_: Diverse teams approach challenges from multiple angles, fostering creativity and innovation.
2. _Better decision-making_: Diverse perspectives lead to more informed decisions, reducing the risk of groupthink.
3. _Enhanced collaboration_: Diverse teams learn from each other, promoting cross-functional collaboration and skill sharing.
4. _Improved adaptability_: Diverse teams are more resilient and adaptable in a rapidly changing environment.
5. _Increased employee engagement_: Team members feel valued and empowered when their diverse backgrounds and experiences are recognized.
However, managing highly diverse teams also presents challenges:
1. _Communication barriers_: Language and cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings.
2. _Cultural and social differences_: Varying norms, values, and beliefs can cause conflicts.
3. _Bias and stereotypes_: Unconscious biases and stereotypes can affect team dynamics and decision-making.
4. _Integration and cohesion_: Building a sense of unity and shared purpose can be more difficult.
5. _Managing conflicts_: Addressing conflicts and disagreements requires empathy, active listening, and effective conflict resolution skills.
To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to:
1. _Foster an inclusive culture_: Encourage open communication, respect, and empathy.
2. _Provide training and development opportunities_: Help team members build cultural competence and understanding.
3. _Encourage active listening and feedback_: Create a safe space for constructive dialogue.
4. _Emphasize shared goals and values_: Unite the team around a common purpose and values.
5. _Lead by example_: Demonstrate inclusive leadership and address biases and stereotypes.
By embracing diversity and addressing the challenges that come with it, project managers can unlock the full potential of their teams and deliver exceptional results.
Diverse teams, in my experience tend to perform better because the background and different way of thinking of team members bring fresh perspectives, skills and solutions to the team.
The challenge is in getting them to work together, letting them see there maybe be more than one viable solution to the same problem and make each member not to be focused only on his perspective or not be too attached to his ideas but to communicate freely in search of solutions.
From my own experience I quite agree that diverse teams have better performance than homogeneous one because they bring together a pool of different specialized skills, ideas, and experiences which can help them achieve greater success in their project work.
The challenge however when they are highly diversify being able to communicate with them in a way that all can align to the goal and process of the project. Language, social, and religious differences can also be a challenge among team members and might take the PM some time to figure out how to handle the situation which might slow down the progress of the project at the early stages .
Diverse team get the project done faster due to their skills, knowledge, experience the team have.
Modupe Esther Popoola team 9
Diverse teams are more likely to get the project done faster becaue of their different skills which they all put together From my experience the challenges encountered were communication barriers, stereotype,bias, slower decision making
Diverse teams are more likely to get the project done faster becaue of their different skills which they all put together From my experience the challenges encountered were communication barriers, stereotype,bias, slower decision making
Stephen Izuchukwu Emeasoba
Cohort 16, Team 9.
By promoting and embracing diversity brings a wealth of benefits to teams, enhancing overall performance, competitiveness, improving decision-making and fostering innovation.
Incorporating diversity into teams and organizations is a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage and creates a more inclusive, dynamic, successful workplace that can lead to improved performance.
With my most recent experience in leading one of the teams in DEXA’s project management boot camp, I can say that there is a significant relationship between diversity and performance and I agree that diverse teams often produce better work.
One of the so many benefits of working in a diverse team is that it brings together individuals with different perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches. This variety fosters creativity and innovation, which in turn leads to more unique and effective solutions.
Some of the challenges that comes with working with a diverse team will be the complexity of decision making which can be time-consuming and also the struggle to ensure that all team members feel included and valued. But to navigate this challenge, it is important to create an inclusive culture where everyone’s voice is heard and respected.