How can you leverage your executive team's diverse strengths?

The first thing I do when I take over a new team is what what the Gallup organization calls a "Team Blend," using the Strengthfinders. I ask everyone to share their strengths (what I call their genius), the "double-edge" of their strengths, and how they use them in their business and personal life. This provides a great framework for everyone to share and appreciate the diversity of thought and strengths within the team.

Diversity in a team brings new and possibly untapped ideas and valuable insights. Such diversity can solidify the team members' progress. As a team leader, you can conduct roundtable discussions, allowing for open communication and greater mutual understanding. This kind of ongoing discussion will reveal team members' different views based on their different backgrounds. Accepting differences creates an atmosphere where everyone feels valued for who they are - a key facet in fostering positive team members' relationships.

Executives love sharing when things are going great. When my team begins to share when things didn't go as well as planned, and what they learned from the situation so others can also learn and share, this is when I know I have fostered true collaboration and communication in my team. The best way I have found to do this, is to share my own key lessons learned, and celebrate when my team does the same. I like to spend a lot of time "in the field" with my team and my clients; this provides me a street-corner view of what's truly happening, and gives me the opportunity to celebrate wins and key lessons on the spot. I then highlight individuals during my weekly calls and encourage them to share.

One of the best ways I have found to leverage Diversity in my executive team is to first create a common vision and to help the team articulate how they bring alive the corporate values using their unique strengths. Let's face it, everyone has a genius; the way in which they use it to make an impact, when fully leveraged, makes the team stronger. It also ensure everyone feels valued, heard, appreciated and celebrated. When the team feels valued, it creates a "waterfall" effect, as they in turn do the same for their team, and it eventually becomes part of the culture.

Having an agreed-upon direction to where everyone is heading is more effective than playing solo. In addition, involving the team in the decision-making process will provide the opportunity to share ideas and suggestions to reach the desired outcome and therefore feel accomplished. The diversity of the team's background will eventually show up and as a team leader appreciation of that will enhance performance and loyalty.

As veterans the power of diversity is well understood. We have worked for, with, above and below everyone across all spectrums of spectrums. As a leader little has less value than a yes man (or women). Leaders know innovation comes from the convergence of unique perspectives. Which are only formed through the diversity of experience. This must be explicitly promoted by leaders and should be at the heart of any decision.

In my career, I am proud to say that I have promoted more people than anyone I know. This is because I am keenly focused on growing my people at all levels. Setting clear expectations from the beginning, that I am here to help my team achieve their personal and professional goals, and following through on that promise, is key to always having the best people on my team. Let's face it, the higher we go, the more that is expected of us. There is nothing better than working with and for someone who genuinely cares, and shows their care by taking time to grow us, highlight our growth and be our champion. As Theodore Roosevelt said: "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

As a leader, you should demonstrate your dedication to becoming a role model for diversity within our organization. By showing this dedication, you not only set an example for others to follow but also pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Working jointly with the team members to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected would certainly impact performance and results positively. Nevertheless, if your actions contradict what you preach then do not expect commitment from others, especially from your team. Show your commitment in your regular meetings, team action plans while also encouraging them to be proactive about their initiatives and ideas so that they arrive at a collective and common ground.

Harness the kaleidoscope of talents within your executive team by fostering an environment of open dialogue. Encourage each member to champion their unique strengths, creating a dynamic synergy. Recognise that diverse perspectives are invaluable assets—blend analytical minds with creative thinkers. Embrace a collaborative spirit, where every voice is not only heard but valued. This inclusive approach unlocks innovation and ensures a robust decision-making process. Emphasise the collective achievement of goals, transforming individual strengths into a harmonious symphony of success.