Lately, diversity has become a bit of a buzzword. Companies strive to build teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, knowing that this diversity will lead to innovation and success. However, many organizations overlook a crucial aspect of diversity: tension.
Tension arises when individuals with different viewpoints, ideas, and approaches come together to collaborate. It’s natural and inevitable, yet often seen as a barrier to productivity and harmony within teams. However, embracing workplace tension can actually be a catalyst for growth and innovation.
Diverse voices bring a spectrum of perspectives, experiences, and opinions. And where there are differences, there’s bound to be tension. But tension isn’t something to fear; it’s a sign of a vibrant, dynamic team filled with ideas. It sparks innovation, creativity, and growth.
In order to build an effective and diverse team, you need to equip your team with the skills to engage in crucial conversations effectively. Many teams think it’s better if every team member gets along with each other all the time. However, that’s not necessarily a sign of a good, positive, healthy culture. It might be a sign that your team is too homogenous, where everyone reinforces each other’s way of working, thinking, and communicating.
If you truly want to embrace diversity of thoughts and ways of working, you need to learn to be comfortable with the discomfort of encountering differences and learn to communicate across those differences to find a way to collaborate and support each other so everyone’s needs are honored.
We love helping teams turn tension into transformation. Ready to strengthen your team’s ability to work through healthy conflicts and foster inclusion? Let’s chat.