How to lead a diverse team during this sensitive time

Hiring with bias is against the law. Building a diverse crew is not only a priority because your customers are diverse, it can also protect your business from costly discrimination claims down the road.

Say you have taken the plunge, and your team is the most diverse team anyone has ever seen. What is the best way to manage this bright and colorful crew?

Write Anti-Discriminatory Policies

A business demands a certain level of professionalism, and working without prejudice is part of it. Write that stance explicitly into your workforce policies. While this seems like a no-brainer, many business owners never put their commitment to a prejudice-free workplace in writing, and that is a problem. Prove to your employees that you are professional in every aspect by clearly outlining your stance on discrimination in your policies, and back inclusive hiring by having it written down on paper. State it clearly in your workplace documents and your regular meetings.

Hire Awesome Leadership

You have officially reached the point where you are hiring more diverse employees. Believe it or not, this is when the hard work begins. Not for you, of course. You own the place. It begins for your managers.

Diverse teams come with their own set of challenges. A mix of backgrounds can sometimes lead to an awkward group dynamic and stalled communication. Your management is integral in combating any adverse effects of a more diverse group. To get a compelling blend of cultures working well in the workplace, you need a top-of-the-line manager.

Implement An Open Door Policy

You have made your stance clear and hired great management, but that does not mean you are out of the woods yet.

Start an open door policy so every employee, no matter the level, feels comfortable coming to you with their concerns. If you are short on time and worry that you cannot keep a true open door, an app where you can post announcements and updates to your team is a safe way to stay reachable. This kind of technology works well for business owners who are stressed about managing an open door:

Remember, You're Human

So be kind. Not just to other people, but to yourself too.

Most of the insensitive business practices we reject now were the norm less than ten years ago. Change takes time. You do not have to uproot your entire team to be successful during these times. It all begins with intention. If you intend to operate as an owner who promotes bias and prejudice, change will be hard, and your business will read as struggling to keep up with the times. If you intend to be an inclusive employer who promotes fairness and equality, the rest should follow, and you will not even need this little list to manage a diverse team.

Think you are the stuck-in-the-mud kind of owner? There is still hope. Leading a diverse team starts with a clear policy, strong managers, and an open line to every employee, and the right tools make all three easier to put into daily practice.