Executive Coaching - A Guide For The HR Professional.pdf

12
.................................
Coaching and Diversity
Diversity in the workplace is often referred to as the differences
among a group of people—typically, such differences as race,
ethnicity, cultural background, gender, age, class, or religion—
working together in an organization. Diversity not only reflects the
varying demographics among employees in an organization, but also
the wide range of abilities, values, expectations, and personalities
among those people.
Sharing different perspectives, generating innovative ideas, and
offering creative solutions are some of the benefits of diversity in
the workplace. However, diversity may also pose a significant challenge
if employees have different opinions or values that can lead
to exclusion, miscommunication, and even conflict. Overcoming
these challenges and leveraging the benefits of diversity requires
having an organizational culture that values an inclusive work
environment.
The Role of Coaching
What role might coaching play in helping an organization leverage
diversity? Employing coaches within an organization with a
diverse workforce may serve several purposes. In addition to developing
the leadership skills of a diverse workforce, it can help the
123
......