Embracing the Tapestry of Diversity
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I Will Tell the White Man (ca. 1900) by Frederic Remington.
"Our earth is round, and, among other things, that means that you and I can hold completely different points of view and both be right. The difference of our positions will show stars in your window I cannot even imagine. Your sky may burn with light, while mine, at the same moment, spreads beautiful to darkness. Still we must choose how we separately corner the circling universe of our experience. Once chosen, our cornering will determine the message of any star and darkness we encounter." June Jordan
Diversity is celebrated in this quote, as it recognizes that our Earth's roundness symbolizes the existence of different viewpoints, all equally valid.
Each person's unique perspective is likened to a window showing stars that others cannot fathom. Some may witness a sky ablaze with light, while others find beauty in darkness.
The metaphor underscores the notion that diverse experiences contribute to a more prosperous world understanding. The statement concludes by emphasizing the significance of personal choice in shaping our perception. Once individuals select their corner of the universe, their perspective determines the meaning they derive from encounters with stars and darkness.
Over the 35+ years of running our business, I tried to get diverse perspectives from staff and customers. I found it improves problem-solving, creativity, and decision-making. It also enhanced employee satisfaction. The idea and the ideal is to embrace diversity as it empowers us to stay innovative and adaptable, fostering a robust and inclusive workplace culture.
As Confucius said, "If you're the smartest person in the room, then you're in the wrong room."
This quote emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who possess diverse knowledge and expertise, as it allows for continuous learning and personal growth. Being in a room with more intelligent people can be a humbling and enriching experience that leads to new insights and opportunities for development.
And in the name of self-awareness, Henry Ford "Beware of the person who knows it all; they've stopped learning."
This quote suggests that people who act as if they know everything may close themselves off from new knowledge and growth. It serves as a reminder to stay open-minded and humble, as there is always something new to learn and discover. Being overly confident in one's knowledge can hinder personal development and prevent gaining valuable insights from others.
"Pride makes us artificial, humility makes us real." - Thomas Merton