• "Otherness" or those attributes that are different from our own
• Includes differences in age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities, and sexual orientation
• Encompasses differences in socio-economic status, religious beliefs, political beliefs, educational background, marital status, parental status, military experience, and opinions
• Moves beyond tolerance to embracing the unique dimensions of each individual

• Diverse perspectives bring new ideas and different ways of accomplishing work
• Fast-paced world regularly requires new ways of doing things
• Available workforce is increasingly diverse

How Can We Embrace Diversity?

• Establish a safe and positive environment
• Provide all employees with the skills to handle diversity
• Help people connect with each other through areas of commonality, then springboard into areas of difference

• Attract and retain the increasingly diverse workforce
• Competitive advantage
• Increased synergy and respect among team members
• Enhanced performance and productivity
• Improved business results