Chapter 36. Diversity Should Be From the Heart—Not Just By the Book

A Day in the Life of HR

Sometimes the best intentions have accidental consequences. In our efforts to do the right thing, we create a monster that is awkward, ugly, and big. I have a serious objection to the diversity programs that we commonly see in the workplace. They actually promote discrimination. By placing the emphasis on people's differences (with some companies actually establishing a quota system), we end up resorting to a form of tokenism. We know we're doing it, but we're afraid to stop. We form diversity councils. We look at the numbers. We sponsor special functions celebrating affinity groups where we showcase our African-American participation, our Hispanic groups, our gay-lesbian groups, our women-in-nontraditionalroles groups. Group by group they stand up, are recognized, smile for the camera, and sit down again. But these groups also sit at separate tables in the company lunchroom. And there is no true blending and understanding among all the wonderful talent we have in the company.