Why it is valuable to
encourage diversity and inclusion
Blog by
Yaqueline Roestenburg
Diversity? After all, we are all diverse, no one is the same. All our characteristics and talents make us unique. Beautiful, isn’t it! As an organization, you can be diverse or strive to be. This does not automatically mean that an organization is also inclusive. Diversity and inclusion in the workplace involves more: you do not exclude anyone, everyone is welcome regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, gender, and/or religion. Career coach Yaqueline shares her view from her own role. Will you read along?
Coaching without judgment is not always easy
As a career coach, it is important that I coach without judgment. This ensures mutual respect and equality between me and the participant. That forms the basis for a safe environment. I’m not saying that I never have an opinion or feel judgment towards the participant or the situation… I’m only human too. The key is being aware of my thoughts, opinions, and what I do with them. I regularly reflect on what I think and feel about the participant. I ask myself whether it benefits them if I express those feelings or thoughts. Respecting people for who they are is crucial here.
Personal development through guiding different people
As an advisor, I also support employees who are reintegrating. In those cases, I stand for equal opportunities in the labor market. How can someone with certain limitations still find suitable work and participate again in society? And thus not be excluded from the workforce. In my role, all these different people, from various cultures and educational backgrounds, have enriched my life. I am grateful for the insights they have given me; this is personal growth for me too. Every participant is also a mirror for me. They go through their own journey and discover new perspectives along the way. But that applies to me as well. Their journey of discovery is also a bit of my own. It enriches my knowledge. I always thank participants at the end of a process, because I have learned again, too.
Make use of diverse people with diverse perspectives
As I mentioned earlier: organizations can be diverse or seek to become so. It is good to consider which people are working in your organization. Different people bring different perspectives. How can this contribute to a team or solutions? What can diversity specifically contribute to the business goals of an organization?
Personally, what I love most about implementing diversity and inclusion is that teams are more innovative and creative. They solve problems together more effectively because of the different viewpoints of their members. Furthermore, it gives the organization more opportunities to recruit talent; more people from different backgrounds and with different skills are attracted. That’s why it’s valuable to encourage an inclusive environment.
Personal development enables employees to reach their potential
By helping employees with their personal development, you allow them to reach their full potential. Insights can contribute to the bigger picture; the team, the organization, and the rapidly changing labor market.
Would you like to contact me about this topic? Feel free to leave a message!
Also read the blog by my colleague Anneke about personal leadership
Here you’ll find an overview of our subsidized trainings and workshops
Yaqueline Roestenburg
Career Coach
As a career coach, I am happy to help participants move forward. I truly believe that everyone possesses valuable qualities to achieve success. I also encourage awareness and self-reliance; I provide the tools for people to build with.
