A senior team I supported always seemed aligned in meetings. Decisions were made quickly, consensus was reached… or so it appeared. Yet a few days later, disagreements resurfaced in corridor conversations.
The issue wasn’t a lack of diversity – it was a lack of skill in using it.
Deliberate teams treat difference as fuel. They slow down, create space for all voices, and work through varied perspectives to reach stronger, more sustainable outcomes.
McKinsey’s research shows that diverse teams outperform others in innovation and financial performance (Hunt, Yee, Prince & Dixon-Fyle, 2018). But Page’s work reminds us that diversity only delivers value when leaders build environments where every perspective is heard and respected (Page, 2007).
Tips for Leaders
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Invite quieter voices first.
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Frame conflict as constructive, not personal.
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Pause before closing decisions.
Tips for Teams
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Listen to understand, not just to respond.
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Play devil’s advocate to test assumptions.
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Respect difference – don’t rush to smooth it over.
Harnessing diversity takes intent and time – but done correctly it can transform decisions, strengthen trust, and drive real performance.
Behind every high-performing, inclusive team is one constant: trust.
Join me for this month’s FREE masterclass, “Trust Me: Why You Need to Be Deliberate About Trust in Your Team”, where we’ll explore how to build it – and keep it.
🗓 October 27 | 12–1 PM AEDT
🔗 Register here to save your seat!
