Who says working with diverse people is easy?

I was presenting a couple of approaches to solve a difficult problem. After presenting the solutions, I said, “If you have a different point of view or suggestion, please share”

A junior colleague raised her hand and said, “Padma, I don’t think this is going to work. And here’s why…”

Immediately a thought crossed my mind, “Oh the naysayer! Will she ever change?”

I caught myself and asked her to share her suggestions…. I must admit, they were good!

While we want people to bring their true self to work, share their thoughts openly, we struggle because:

  • It feels like criticism
  • It disrupts the flow of the conversation
  • We fear it will cause delays or disruptions

Question to reflect: are we ready hold back our fears… and accept others as they are!

What’s your experience of working with people who are very different from you?

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