How Diversity Can Drive Innovation

It is no secret that diversity in the workplace is often a key driver of success, no matter the industry, and by diversity we are not just talking about gender, race, sexual orientation or ability. When it comes to diversity in the workplace, the notion should also mean diversity of experience, training, past employment, education, or even generational differences.

When it comes to innovation, the concept of embracing difference is no less true. Check out this article from the Harvard Business Review: http://hbr.org/2013/12/how-diversity-can-drive-innovation/ar/1. According to the article, “new research provides compelling evidence that diversity unlocks innovation and drives market growth—a finding that should intensify efforts to ensure that executive ranks both embody and embrace the power of differences.”

Think about it, it is common sense really. If you have a homogeneous group of like-minded individuals from a similar background, with very little few differences between them, how diverse are those ideas really going to be? In contrast, by recognizing the power of diversity, you only stand to benefit from the vast array of life knowledge.

When it comes to workplace diversity, there really is no such thing as too many cooks in the kitchen, especially when each one brings something different to the table – literally! And as this article demonstrates, the research clearly shows that diversity really does drive innovation.

For more about driving innovation within the workplace, or other innovation strategies, please contact Innovators Alliance by calling 1-905-332-0340.