Your team faces discomfort from a client over diversity. How can you address their concerns effectively?

We need to listen to inputs firstly. Allow each view on diversity to be heard. People are battling to move away from their own unconscious biases and stereotypes. Its important we create a safe psychological space for open communication discussions. We must identity barriers and opportunities to move us forward. We need to deal with both implicit and explicit biases, toward embracing Diversity at the workplace. We need to plan diversity training programs for our clients also, plan bias training, cultural sensitivity training and empower employees to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. These training sessions must be done , until we can achieve mindset shifts that embraces an inclusive workplace diversity in retaining talent.

All the stakeholders involved in any project, activity and/or any organization, should be instructed and have an open space to talk about diversity, exposing their believes, culture habits, religion, celebrations and all details related to their culture, that is one of the ways that you can change bias for understanding and comprehensions of each other's actions.

My team represents my company and our values. When addressing a client's discomfort over diversity, it's crucial to listen first to their concerns, showing that you value their perspective. However, it's equally important to make it clear that your team’s diversity and inclusion are non-negotiable values. I prioritize my team's well-being and stand by the principles that make us stronger together. By finding a respectful way to communicate this, I aim to educate and reassure the client while maintaining the integrity and morale of my team.

I have been in this situation many times in my career, in my experience in order to solve it, its mandatory to have a genuine and open discussion with the customer, regarding the root cause of the issue. For this to happen succesfully you need to show full empathy and active listening. Always an open conversation will be key to find the solution. It is also important to highlight the skills and strengths that the rejected person will bring to the success of their business

Years ago, working as an ELL Aid, a students cursed in Spanish in front of a teacher, he didn't curse anyone directly, he was frustrated and said bad words, the teacher (not a Spanish speaker) immediately stared at me looking for answers and told us, - I understood that word -. She, as the great teacher she is, didn't react, she was waiting for answers, she was aware about how I will act if any student behaves inappropriately, I explained her that yes, that was inappropriate, but wasn't to her, that it wasn't personal. She spoke with the student about not cursing in class and that was the end of the story. If I wouldn't been there to understand the culture and where those words were coming from, things could be ended different him.

Empathy is vital when working within a team, especially when the team consists of varying individuals from varying backgrounds. Leading with a mindset that is compassionate, aids in creating an intention and communication style that is slow to respond, quick to care and generates an open environment for constructive communication, collaboration and growth!