The Corporate Couch – Mr. Dream Team

Dear Dr. Mimi:

I am a fairly new manager, and I have recently seen various organizations start to diversify their staff. I have no problems with my current staff. In fact, we all get along and think similarly. What exactly are the benefits of making this change? How much diversity do I need for group of 15? Will this cause conflict?

-Mr. Dream Team

Dear Mr. Dream Team: 

The goal is not to have two of these types and three of those types, but rather to have people with various backgrounds on your team so you can get multiple perspectives. Without diversity, teams are more susceptible to groupthink and can get very stale. This can be a negative, especially when you want your product or service to appeal to a variety of individuals. Different insights create newer, fresher and stronger ideas. You also get to see things through a different lens and gain a new perspective. This is positive conflict. So instead of fearing it, embrace it.

-Dr. Mimi

Dr. Mimi Hull is a licensed psychologist, she has a master’s in counseling and personnel services and a doctorate in psychology with specialization in business management from the University of Florida.