In today’s rapidly changing world, the concept of diversity within the workplace has transcended buzzword status to become a cornerstone of modern leadership. Here’s why diversity should be at the top of every leader's agenda:

Broader Perspectives:

Diversity brings together all different kinds of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Having all of these different backgrounds helps foster creativity and innovation. Leaders who understand this embed diversity into their teams, not just to enhance the workplace culture but to tap into a rich source of ideas.

Improved Decision-Making:

Research has shown that diverse teams make better decisions. A study by McKinsey & Company revealed that companies with more diverse workforces perform better financially. This is because diverse groups are less prone to groupthink, the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility. Leaders who prioritize diversity foster an environment where multiple viewpoints are considered, leading to more balanced and thoughtful decision-making processes.

Enhanced Employee Engagement

Leaders who prioritize diversity and inclusion create environments where differing viewpoints from employees are actually valued and sought after. When this happens, there is a sense of belonging that can boost employee engagement and productivity. When people believe that their unique contributions are valued, they are more likely to feel committed to their organization’s goals and motivated to contribute their best work.

Better Market Understanding

A diverse leadership team can enhance an organization's understanding of its customer base. Having a team that reflects the demographic diversity of your market can provide insights into consumer needs and preferences that could be missed otherwise.

In conclusion, prioritizing diversity is not just the right thing to do —it is a strategic leadership approach that enhances creativity, decision-making, employee engagement, and market understanding. Leaders who embrace diversity within their teams are paving the way for long-term success.

What is one step you can take within your teams, businesses or organizations, that would encourage diversity?

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Personal Life Update From Sheeba:

On a personal note, I am thrilled to share some exciting news from my life. My son recently graduated from UC San Diego, a proud moment for our family. His graduation from high school was impacted by the pandemic and so it was wonderful to have this moment to celebrate his achievements with his university graduation.

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EXCITING NEWS! New Children's Book Released: "Am I Indian Today?"

I am so excited to share a project I have been working on for a while now that perfectly ties into the theme of diversity! I wrote a children's book titled, "Am I Indian Today?" The book talks about a time when my son was younger and we were getting ready for a wedding. Born in America, I wanted my sons to understand that being Indian is so much more than just wearing beautiful ethnic attire. This book takes you on the journey of answering that question for my son.

Click here to take advantage of the presale going on now! www.sheebavarghese.com

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Leadership Spotlight: Jake and Max Klein

14-year-old twins named Jake and Max Klein found that they weren't able to do a lot of volunteer opportunities. They decided to create a database to help kids find places they are allowed to volunteer!

They launched the Kids That Do Good database to allow young people to search for volunteer opportunities based on age, interest, or location. The volunteer opportunities range from helping the homeless to food drives to helping raise money for breast cancer by walking. Read more about what inspired them to start this here!

Sheeba Varghese is a strategic partner for your talent development solutions and the author of Confidence, Clarity & Ease: A Guide For Emerging Leaders To Thrive. Her passion is to inspire and equip men and women to lead with excellence and authenticity within the spheres of influence that they are called to impact in life. The spheres may be in a home, on a team, in a classroom, among partners in a firm, or within management, to name a few.

Senior Leaders and professionals who want to develop stronger leadership skills, have impact, and move forward in their careers

Teams who want to work cohesively within their organizations

Coaches who want to renew or apply for certification with ICF

If you want to improve your leadership skills, transition from managing to leading, ensure your team is amazingly successful, increase your self-awareness, and progress your career, or aspire to be a masterful coach for your clients, then Sheeba would love to support you. She works with clients globally, both face-to-face, by phone, or by Zoom.

In her time apart from clients, Sheeba enjoys time with her husband, Santosh, and their 2 sons, Sam and Steven. She loves great movies, a good book, decorating, and dining at the wonderful restaurants in the Bay Area.

Embracing Diversity As A Leader