One of my most memorable quotes from a business owner was, “I like people like me; people who have the same perspective of life, values, and cultural ideology. I only hire people like me.” Whoa!
This conversation occurred about five years ago, and I must admit, caught me off-guard. Why? Because for almost forty years the products and services they provided targeted a wide range of different categories of consumers. When I asked him how his business was doing, he said that they have been slipping for years and were having trouble finding new customers. – What lens was he using to look at his market? Perhaps he needs a different lens.
In the business world, I am still surprised by those companies who continue to hang on to a perception that is not only disconnected from reality but is damaging to their current situation. Today’s market is not based on age, gender, nationality, ethnicity, or a particular ideology. It is very diverse and is changing at warp speed. I don’t believe you can effectively participate in this market if you do not champion this perspective.
So why do some businesses continue to avoid dealing with this reality? Why do they have boards, management structures, employees, etc. that don’t take advantage of the wealth of perspectives and experience across all categories of diversity? – Two reasons: it is just easier not to change, and they don’t know where to begin.
If you are a business owner that is stuck in this rut, get out. Start looking at the differences in people as being an opportunity for growth in perspectives, knowledge, experience, and a connection to a more diverse market. Mix it up! Your view will change.
Leave a comment