Diverse Worker

To move forward as a society and humanity, we need to strive for diversity in the workplace (and not at the exclusion of other places). As we meet challenges and strive for goals together, we need to share language, culture, experience and abilities. We need to hire and engage others who see the world differently to broaden our perspectives. We need to be different and broaden the perspective of others. 

As you can read, I have read the postcard and I remain a diversity advocate. I am pleased to meet new people and learn about the world while sharing mine. However, I reminisce with deep feelings of nostalgia of a time when as a society we valued diversity within and not just among individuals. In short, being capable at many things does not make you a huckster or a con (although they lurk at every corner); it makes you extra-capable.

For example, as an instructor, I am often asked directly what do you teach by potential employers and colleagues. Inner me wants to scream, "Take out a pen. It's a long list." I have been an instructor for over 20+ years and I "have been to the rodeo". I have taught elementary, junior high, high school, and adult education. I have taught mathematics, English language arts, English language learning, health, religion, social studies,  programming, interactive media, desktop applications, drama, art, college prep, memory skills and learning strategies, media development, exam development, leadership, online learning and more. (I told you it was a list.) I am not bragging. Everyone has a list although they might not have written it down. I am aware of my strengths and proud of what I can offer.

Obviously, I don't scream, so I pick two subjects that they might hold interest in. I might say English language arts and mathematics. I usually see a quizzical look on my listener's face so I quickly follow up by saying that I have a university background and teaching experience in both. If still interested, I might add that I value subject-matter expertise but I know teaching and learning are the true skills. These conversations usually do no go much further and the listener cannot be blamed. However, by stating that I am good at two subjects at least sends a truer message that diversity is a key.

Let's turn to the listener, that employee, colleague or friend. He or she lives in the same world in which academia and the workforce have pushed for streaming and specialization. These principles and strategies are not new but every once and awhile they receive an emphasis that goes beyond what is needed or healthy. They do solve the problems of finding a place for everyone and making sure that future employees are work-ready but they often do not see the individual as the dynamic and diverse person they are. Streaming and specialization are necessary aspects in a world of practical constraints but they need not be so limiting. Yet, at these times, the listener hears the hue and cry for sorting and selecting into narrow slots for the welfare of society. (I, too, have the purple streaming and mauve specialization tshirt in my closet.)

Upon self-examination (not always a regular practice), the listener will too realize that she has multiple talents. She plays pickle ball; she fixes cars; she writes instructional manuals for building furniture; she shingles roofs; and she paints abstract images. She is more than just the day-time accountant. She has learned so much from others and from her experiences. She keeps a journal and a blog. She writes thank you cards to former teachers and has coffee with her mentors. She reads non-fiction historical narratives and watches the occasional nature documentary. With all this knowledge and wisdom, she is engaged in the world around her. She participates in discussions and meetings. She makes informed decisions.

Certainly, she has been streamed. At moments, she has specialized. She took accounting and even specialized in IT Audits. The skills and knowledge needed to do this work did not arrive on her lap because she pressed a button. She worked hard and made sacrifices for long-term reward. She lived in the one-room apartment on the 17th floor with the hot plate and mini-fridge. She showed the determination, will power and courage to complete the task.

However, at no point did she stop reading or give up on pickle ball. She even fixed
cars to earn some money to pay for her university. More importantly, she stayed connected with friends and family. She worked to find new friends and colleagues. She found the love her life, married, and had three children. (Let me tell you she really then started learning.) Along this journey, she continued to learn but also teach. She showed her children how to brush their teeth and make their beds. She demonstrated to a fellow accountant how to use the IT audit accounting software system. She painted an abstract image while in the mountains with a friend (only because realism was beyond her scope of painting skills). She modeled patience, humility and forgiveness to all of those she encountered. 

While drinking cappuccino on her front porch in the sun, she will have her epiphany: she is a diverse and dynamic superhero after all. She will return to work and employ her creativity. She will take some of her technology skills and serve on the new technology steering committee. She will learn Spanish, because . . . she just wants to.

And she will meet with her employees and find out more. She will examine how they are different from each other, but now she will also inquire about the variety of interests, abilities and commitments they bring to the workplace. (Her husband and kids will become annoyed because she will do the same at home.) She will find opportunities and resources to make enable the diversity within these fellow human beings. She will make "diversity within" part of her plans. She will write the new post card.

When I see her again, I know she will ask, "Is there anything you cannot teach?"

P.S. It's dodgeball.

Carey Hilgartner is a learning development specialist with Hilgartner Open Learning. Follow more bites of wisdom @hilopenlearn.