As I sit here writing this with my laptop on my lap, I find myself reminiscing about my early teenage years in the Philippines. Struck by the vivid memories of a young me, navigating the complexities of my dual heritage, with roots deeply intertwined and very much wrapped in both the Filipino and British cultures. My upbringing was steeped in the rich history and traditions of the lands of England – ranging from tea parties all the way to archery on Sunday’s – and yet my heart still yearned to explore the mythical lands of the Philippines that my mother and father talked so fondly about.
The flight into the Philippines was fairly terrifying. The landing strip of Lumbia airport, for whatever reason, had cows on the runway. Though that very real sense of fear and adrenaline disappeared the moment I set foot on the now very real, sun-drenched shores, of the archipelago.I was immediately captivated by the kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and sounds that enveloped me and welcomed me with open arms that said “You’re home”.
The warm, golden light of the sun seemed to infuse the very air with a sense of magic and wonder, as the cacophony of laughter, the now familiar bass of a karaoke machine, and the enticing aromas of adobo and lechon wafted through the balmy breeze – like a culinary siren pulling me deeper into these once foreign lands.
As a teenager straddling two distinct worlds – being pulled apart in two utterly different directions – and yet I revelled in the opportunity to explore the fascinating contrasts and synergies between my British and Filipino heritage. From the cobblestone streets and lush countryside of England, to the bustling markets and pristine beaches of the Philippines, I marveled at the rich tapestry of human experiences that unfolded before me that were all almost entirely different to the United Kingdom, yet still beautiful in their own way. The vibrant fusion of cultures, traditions, and perspectives nurtured within me a deep appreciation for the power of diversity to foster creativity, innovation, and growth.
I recall with fondness the countless moments of connection and understanding that emerged from the most unexpected encounters. Even to the point where I, a once middle-class boy from England now speaks 4 different dialects of Filipino. Through laughter, music, and the universal language of food, we transcended whatever barriers were placed infront of us.
So, as I contemplated type away here, ensconced in my plush desk chair and not a bamboo stall, I am reminded of the priceless (and sometimes costly) lessons that I learned during my formative years in the Philippines. It’s important to take note that these often forgotten lessons go beyond just understanding the disparity of wealth and the importance of family; they also encompass the significant influence of welcoming new ideas, new concepts, and sometimes uncomfortable truths into our lives.
Not just for the sake of inclusivity, but for the innovative ideas and unique perspectives that it brings to our society. Join me on a (hopefully, entertaining) journey of exploration and discovery. Looking closer at the intricate weave of threads that create the vibrant tapestry of our shared human experience, and how the fusion of all of our diverse elements and personal backgrounds can serve as a catalyst – not just for growth – but for understanding.
Here are seven ways in which embracing diversity can boost creativity and innovation
1. Diverse perspectives lead to unique ideas
Coming together from different backgrounds, people can bring own personal experiences, ideas and understanding, and perspectives that can drive creativity. The more diverse, the higher the potential for unique ideas – in the same way that if you keep adding things, you’re bound to get something unique.
- A team with varied backgrounds can tackle problems from multiple angles, making it easier to develop innovative solutions.
- Different viewpoints can challenge conventional thinking and lead to breakthrough ideas.
2. Improved problem-solving abilities
A diverse group of people has a higher likelihood of solving complex problems as they approach the issue from different angles.
- A diverse team can draw on their collective knowledge and experience to devise new solutions.
- The group can test multiple hypotheses and find the most effective solution more quickly.
3. Enhanced collaboration and communication
Working with people from different backgrounds forces and allows us to improve our communication skills. Making our skills more inclusive and accessible.
- Team members learn to be more aware of their language, tone, and cultural sensitivities, leading to more effective communication.
- Improved communication, and sorry for stating the obvious, leads to increased trust and better collaboration, enabling the team to work together more effectively.
4. Increased adaptability and flexibility
Teams that have diverse members typically adapt faster and respond better to new changes due to the wealth of knowledge that they have.
- Team members with diverse background typically adapt to new things quicker than others due to them being exposed to different cultures, ways of thinking, and potentially education.
- Change, and having a team that can change, is a key ingredient for driving innovation, and creativity, as it allows organizations to seize new opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.
5. Break down stereotypes and promote inclusivity
By working together, diverse teams can challenge stereotypes and foster a more inclusive work environment.
- Exposing yourself to people from different countries, backgrounds, or general practices allows others to overcome their own biases and potentially prejudices.
- Making a workplace more inclusive can also lead to an improved employee satisfaction rating as well as engagement and retention.
6. Access to a broader talent pool
Organizations that embrace diversity have a larger talent pool to draw from, giving them a competitive edge in attracting and retaining the best employees.
- A diverse workforce can attract top talent from different backgrounds and experiences.
- A commitment to diversity can help organizations stand out to potential employees, making them more attractive to job seekers.
7. Increased financial performance
Research shows that companies with diverse teams are more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts.
- A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity were 33% more likely to have industry-leading profitability.
- Another study by the Boston Consulting Group discovered that companies with more diverse management teams had 19% higher revenues due to innovation.
The vibrant tapestry that is woven when we embrace diversity and inclusion within our organizations is not merely an aesthetic enhancement; it is the intricate, multi-faceted foundation upon which we build a thriving, innovative, and creative future – that is welcoming and enticing for everybody instead of potentially just a select few.
By welcoming a cornucopia and wide array of perspectives, experiences, and ideas, we are constructing a robust, multi-dimensional structure that is inherently more resilient due to the multitude of pillars it finds itself resting upon. Allowing you to create a team that is capable of adapting to a world that seems to be updating itself every second.
It’s important to keep in mind that our collective journey towards progress is only as rich and fruitful as the different perspectives and minds and hearts that guide us. The countless hues of creativity and ingenuity that dance across the palette of our shared human experience. Creating – but more importantly building – an iridescent masterpiece that reflects the boundless potential of our collective genius.
Fostering a harmonious symphony of unique voices with their own expressions, perceptions, and life stories, allows us to create a resounding chorus. That resonates – beckoning deep within ourselves and our own souls – with the essence of our shared humanity, that doesn’t just break barriers, but meaningfully transcending the boundaries that we have potentially placed upon ourselves. And it’s through this diverse tapestry, we are empowered to forge a path towards a more prosperous, innovative, and compassionate world.
Together, we can create a world that celebrates the beauty of our differences, harnessing the power of diversity to inspire and empower us all to reach new heights of creativity and innovation.
If you permit me to reference my Filipino culture and perform an English essay cliche, In the radiant glow of our combined ingenuity, we can create a future that is not only luminousfor ourselves but also sustainable, fair, and abundant for generations to come and generations after them. The moment has arrived to fully embrace the vast array of cultures that permeate through-out our lives, uniting our diverse talents and perspectives in pursuit of a shared vision for a more creative and innovative world. Let us draw strength from the unique Filipino values of “bayanihan” (community spirit) and “pagkakaisa” (unity) as we work towards a brighter future together.
