Experiences from a wide range of companies show that companies that excel in diversity are increasingly successful. They are receptive to new ideas, are innovative, and are extremely well digitized. Digitization and diversity are directly related and will only be successful in mastering further challenges if they are tackled together.
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Complex challenges need complex answers
The phenomenon of diversity and its impact on businesses and networks has also been the subject of scientific research for some time. Psychologists and neurophysiologists have come to the conclusion that „harmonious systems (teams or networks) are dumb systems. The solution is seen in „diversity“, i.e. creating diversity in a system in order to increase the tension in it. We live in a complex, interconnected world with complex challenges. The answer to complex problems must also be complex. Diversity creates the basis for multi-perspectivity and thus for complex responses to challenges such as those posed by digitization.
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Diversity drives digital intelligence in businesses
Recruiting is currently about bringing digital expertise into companies. But the challenge is high for small and large companies alike. Experts in artificial intelligence, cyber security, engineering respectively STEM professionals are incredibly in demand and difficult to recruit. This new generation of experts seeks out organizations where the old ways of thinking have been disrupted, where younger and older generations work hand in hand. How do companies succeed in attracting such sought-after talent? By creating the basis and the respective work environment, for example by enabling:
- (Reverse) Mentoring
- Inclusive digital leadership
- High degree of diversity
- Reduced hierarchies
- Open mindset
- Shared goals
- Constant open knowledge transfer
The greater the diversity of a team, the different the views and knowledge levels of each individual with regard to, for example, a new project or development. At the same time, everyone in the team knows that at the end of the day they have to work together to achieve results. These are ideal conditions for knowledge transfer in all directions.
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Diverse teams enable international and intercultural thinking
Teams that have a high degree of diversity are also used to dealing with different lifestyles and life histories, different expertise, different mentalities, views and opinions. It is precisely this ability to be open-minded that is also a prerequisite for quickly adapting to people from other cultures. In an economy that is becoming increasingly connected and in which international cooperation is part of everyday life, this ability is a key to successfully mastering such projects.
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Diversity is a catalyst for innovation, growth & creativity
However, diversity is not only the answer to complexity, but also one of the keys to innovation. This means that companies in search of innovative solutions cannot rely on homogeneous teams.
People with different backgrounds bring new information to teams, which stimulates creativity and produces innovative solutions. Diversity is thus the catalyst for innovation and creativity. Diversity thus covers key areas that are a basis for making digital transformation in companies a success. In addition to diversity, digitization also requires courage and openness. Openness to everything new and different. Courage, for example, to dismantle hierarchies. Courage to allow other opinions and even to let differences stand, in order to work together on the big picture and pursue common goals.
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