I responded to a discussion question: "Which Diversity consulting firm do you think is the most cutting edge and why?" Posted on LinkedIn - Diversity- A World of Change by April (Frerichs) Powers

Hi April,

You ask important questions on a subject that has gained more momentum coming into the 21st Century. Why Diversity and what cutting edge efforts are making their mark? Well, the ‘WHY’ is primarily because the US population is undergoing dramatic demographic changes where the faces of the future our becoming more diverse. So much so that the emergent new majority in some 40 years will eventually become what are considered ‘Minorities’ today. This diversifying face of America will require a change agent role for all of us, and particularly diversity consulting firms, who value positive rather than negative outcomes in society, business, education and the pursuit of happiness.

The most 'cutting edge' Diversity Consulting firms will be the ones that can continue to help open doors and remove barriers that have long blocked access to people typically underrepresented in a variety of positions, regardless of industry, government agency, not-for profits and academic institutions. The lack of people diversity in mostly management and senior management positions has been a long standing tradition with most employers. Challenging and changing this tradition is why diversity matters and innovative approaches are critical.

And, the most 'cutting edge' Diversity Consulting firms will be the ones that insist on and make QUALITY the common denominator for assuring better performance outcomes through people. People who are dedicated to try to improve on their past performances as individuals and as team contributors. Anything less than on-going value-added results will undermine well meaning diversity initiatives as they have in the past.

“Why DIVERSITY?” It challenges us, individually and collectively, to continue to pursue innovative approaches that will lead the way to a broader embracing of the concept of the inclusion of differences in people. Thus, being more inclusive rather than continue with a contest of ‘Me vs. You’, or of ‘We vs. They’. The sooner we appreciate the fact that in life, we’re all in it together, the sooner we’ll reap the benefits of respecting one another on this trek of trying to live and prosper together.

With respect,

Tino