long live diversity!

What is happening right now is fierce: Trump is torpedoing the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, leading companies are caving in and cancelling their DEI targets. European democracies are dangerously shifting to the right, and Musk tweets ‘Only the AfD can save Germany’. Society is becoming increasingly divided. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of people in Germany are taking to the streets, hand in hand, for diversity, democracy and against the far right.

Today we also raise our voices for diversity, democracy and humanity. We at equilibrio live and love diversity. As cosmopolitan people, as a multinational team and as coaches who connect personalities with different biographies and strengths so that they complement and enrich each other. Diversity makes the world colourful, promotes creativity and strengthens innovation. Understanding and mutual respect ensure the cohesion and further development of our democratic society. 

This blog is our appeal for diversity and cohesion. We describe the causes of fear of the unknown, show how understanding and good relations arise and invite you to question how open-minded you are. 

You decide what will be. We all have the choice to stand up for diversity and open-mindedness. In every encounter. 

fear of the unknown.

‘Ch-ch-ch-changes, turn and face the strange’ sings David Bowie. Why do we often fail to change and embrace the unfamiliar? Where does this fear or even devaluation of the unknown come from? Why do we prefer to keep to ourselves, in our own bubble? Even in the organisations and teams that we support, we see that supposedly ‘equal’ candidates are repeatedly hired instead of relying on the power of diversity. 

Why people do not appreciate diversity:

1. Fear of the unknown: Aversion to the unfamiliar was originally a biologically necessary protective mechanism against potential dangers. Even today, it makes us feel insecure when we don’t know or understand someone and therefore can’t place them.
2. Early childhood influences: We are shaped by cultural values and our environment. Whether it is homogeneous and regional or diverse and cosmopolitan influences our world view.
3. Stereotyped thinking: We tend to be prejudiced and pigeonhole people.
4. Language and communication barriers: Different languages can cause difficulties in understanding. In addition, different behavioural patterns can lead to misunderstandings and tensions.
5. Loss of identity: People feel that their own cultural identity, norms and values are under threat.

We know that it is not always easy for people with different values and ways of life to live together, and that it is perfectly possible for us to feel justifiably threatened or unappreciated. But that is precisely why it is crucial that we learn to live together in a diverse society.

equilibrio and lumina: valuing diversity and growing together.

We value and promote the power of diversity. Convinced that we are social beings who draw strength from connection, we have embraced the Ubuntu philosophy ‘I am because we are’. In our work, we connect people with different personalities so that they can develop, learn from each other, strengthen and enrich each other. Of course, differences can also lead to tension. For example, more extroverted people can be perceived from enthusiastic to even overbearing and domineering. Introverts, on the other hand, can be seen as measured to even serious, detached and aloof. But as soon as we understand the need for more exchange on the one hand or more time on their own on the other, we can accept the behaviour of the other person. That is why it is crucial to approach each other, to discuss what we appreciate about each other or find difficult and need from each other. 

Knowing and learning. We encourage open discussion and even constructive conflict. In the exchange, we get to know and understand the needs of others. This is how connections are formed in which different behavioural preferences are respected and valued. This is how teams can grow together.

Tools for personal development support the development process. For example, our personality tool Lumina Spark focuses on individual’s strengths and preferences, as well as the balance provided by the opposite pole in a team, in order to find the right balance. In coaching on the Lumina mat, the advantage of diversity is experienced directly. We need and strengthen each other.

Discover your strengths and the power of diversity in one of our leadership programmes. The Lüneburger Heide is not far away, and afterwards you will be close to yourself and your team again. You will also soon be able to come to our own place in Cilento, Italy, to rest and find yourself. More about this in spring.