Cheers for Diversity!

Being one to seek insight in ordinary (and extraordinary) experiences, I have to tell you what happened the other day. I was driving in my car when I heard an advertisement for McDonald's. They were seeking new employees and at the end of the commercial, the announcer enthusiastically stated, "McDonald's is committed to building a diverse workforce!"

It struck me as an unusual thing to say in a commercial, but I immediately liked the thought. Of course we have often heard and read advertisements for organizations that say they are 'an equal opportunity employer,' meaning that they don't discriminate in their hiring practices. McDonald's, however, is essentially shouting, "Bring your uniqueness here! We value that and see it as an asset. Come work here where you can be yourself."

There's a song called Signs from 1971 by The 5 Man Electrical Band. The lyrics say, "And the sign said 'Long-haired freaky people need not apply'. So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why. He said, 'You look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you'll do.' So I took off my hat, I said 'Imagine that. Huh! Me workin' for you!'"

Again, the McDonald's ad is saying, "Hey! All you long-haired freaky people (or whatever your difference happens to be), come apply here! You are welcome!" I like this proactive stance in recognizing that our differences are gifts. Being unique is cool.

All too often, we like people who are similar to how we are. We like the comfort they provide and we like them to fit in with our image of how we think things "should" be. When we (or organizations) do that, we cheat ourselves out of new insights, exposure to creativity and substantial growth.

I have a client who could definitely be considered different. She has had some real challenges in her life, but has come through stronger than ever. She's an inspiration! If the firm she works for had an exclusive mindset of hiring folks "just like them," they may have missed the opportunity to work with this offbeat, brilliant woman. The firm would have missed working with someone who has subsequently won numerous, prestigious awards for the creativity in her work. Her uniqueness is a gift and they recognize that!

Think about it this way: each time we exclude those who are different from us, when we think our way is the only way and make judgments, we are essentially saying to God, "What were You thinking when You made that person like that?" I imagine God finds that to be pretty insulting, don't you?

This week begin to notice when you make judgments, whether aloud or in your head. Ask yourself what unique perspective each person could bring into your life and begin to expand your world. Like McDonald's, you too can embrace diversity and build your own unique support system.

Be sure to include the long-haired freaky people!