Step 19 Up the Tribe Triangle: Celebrate the Differences in Your Tribe

“Strength lies in differences not in similarities.”
-Steven Covey

People gather and join on the basis of our similarities; however, we grow, develop and innovate on the basis of our differences.  The order of this is vital.  Alignment first, diversity second.  If we are able to understand and implement this order, we reap the benefit of both the foundation of shared vision for the future, values that drive behavior and a common mission in addition to all the powers of that diversity brings to teams.  Think deeply on this, Tribe Leader.

An example of the power of differences is specialization on a team.  Teams of skilled specialists will almost always defeat teams that consist of generalists.  Again, this is only true when the team of specialists is aligned on a shared mission such as the shared winning of a team sport, hunt or mission. 
 

American football typifies this form of specialization and even the players who throw, catch and kick the ball all wear pads and helmets.  They all can run and tackle and are expected to.  Wolfpacks also consist of specialized roles but they all bite and military special forces units consist of deeply specialized soldiers but all refer to themselves as ‘shooters’. 
Regardless of position, all football players hit.
Regardless of role, all wolves bite.
Regardless of specialization, all soldiers shoot.
Affiliation first.  Specialization second.

Differences without alignment drive us apart and can shatter a team and a family.  Differences with alignment can elevate an average team or family into championship status.

Differences with alignment accelerate us.  Studies have shown that aligned teams with more diversity of age, ethnicity and gender tend to be more innovative and creative across time.  There are many reasons for this including the power of different perspectives that drive diverse approaches to challenges and different skill sets that not only improve projects but also stack with other different skill sets to create brand new, innovative products and procedures. 

In addition, the simple fact that a diverse range of people have access to a diverse range of information and personal experiences drives a more nuanced and collaborative world view and culture.  Being embedded in multi-cultural environments with a shared mission tends to expand the process of personal reflection and expression.  This is the forge of personal growth and development which always leads to increased resiliency and performance over time.

Differences in your team creates more opportunities for successful outreach by increasing rapport with clients.  This form of marketing specialization can accelerate customer acquisition and also power customer service.

The ability of a Tribe Leader to establish a culture foundation that is so strong that it is able to take advantage and celebrate the diversity of humanity signals and models a commitment to collaboration and teamwork. 
 

Click here To watch the video of Step 19: Celebrate the Differences in Your Tribe

Leaders must write and speak

Answer these questions in your journal by really writing them down.  Discuss them with at least one of your most important people and really listen to their response.    

 
Is there divisiveness in your team?  What form of alignment do you need to reinforce so the differences become competitive advantages again?
 
Is there diversity and specialization in your team that you are not taking advantage of to drive innovation? 
 

Ubuntu,
Philip Folsom