Creating Solutions by Embracing Diversity North Carolina Chapter Conference June 18, 2009 Diane...
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Transcript of Creating Solutions by Embracing Diversity North Carolina Chapter Conference June 18, 2009 Diane...
Creating Solutions by Embracing DiversityNorth Carolina Chapter Conference
June 18, 2009
Diane Linderman, PEVanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.At-Large Director, Leadership and Management
“The American Public Works Association recognizes, appreciates
and fosters the synergy which is created when the work environment values the differences in individuals
and practices inclusiveness and open communication.”
Differences in people can be an asset or liability in APWA or the workplace depending
on how we accept those differences.
History of Diversity in APWA
Board adopted the policy in 1995
Created committee to foster the idea of Diversity
among members
Developed resource guides: Volume I and II
Wrote articles for Reporter and Bridges
Programs at congress
Diversity awareness to chapters through liaison
Diversity Committee TodayChaired by Jennifer Adams, DPW Tempe, AZ
Chapter outreachMember educationWomen in public worksYounger membersGenerational differencesDiversity Exemplary Practices Award
Progressive Women in Public Works
Breakfast at congressWomen’s essaysReception at congress
InfoNowSurveys
Women in Public Works Survey
Follow up to 2006 survey
2948 survey requests
936 responses
Men not included
Key Findings
58.5% believe glass ceiling exists due to:
Lack of promotional opportunities 57.7%
Inequity in pay 47%
The department is not ready for that type of move 34.6%
Discrimination 37.2%
Key Findings, cont.
Ethnic diversity ongoing challenge
Only 42.9% involved in Chapter
13.7% have mentor, 71.9% of which are
male
What education do women want?
Management techniques specific for women Conflict managementEducational opportunitiesWorking with/managing your bossMaking the most out of networkingInteresting facts/anecdotes/humorWorking with/managing people older than you
What education do women want?
They’re not ready for “your” type of leadership (female leadership)
Performance evaluationsManaging technical people without a technical background
Mentoring
Working with men
Differences of Opinion
Don’t over-segregate women’s issues
Keep doing what you are doingContinue to advocate for female public works employees
Generational Activities
Subcommittee Focus Its mission is to recruit, develop, connect, empower andretain young professionals in APWA through increasedopportunities and resources to enhance their professionaldevelopment and success within the Association and thepublic works industry.
Sessions at CongressYounger Member Reception at Congress
Diversity recognizes
CreedLifestyleNational originDisabilityPersonalityEducational background
Processing styleThinking styleEnergy levelAssertiveness levelValues
Diversity recognizes
Political viewsMarital statusGoals and ambitionsLikes and dislikesSocial statusIncome levelTenure within an organization
Level of position within an organizationGeographic originManagement versus unionRural versus urban
“How do we create a harmonious society out of so many kinds of people? The key is tolerance –
the one value that is indispensable in creating
community.”
~Barbara Jordan
Value Attribution
Our tendency to imbue someone or something with certain qualities
based on a perceived value rather than objective data
Sway – The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior by Ori Brafman and Rom Brafman
Embrace New Members
Welcome new members (please stand!)Recognize new members at meetingsCall them and invite them to next meetingForm a welcoming committeeAssign greetersSpecial stickersFollow up
Embrace New Members
• First Timers’ Meeting/New Member Orientation
• Determine leadership interests – get them involved immediately!
• Exchange business cards• Contact your Membership Chair - call 5
new members• List new members in newsletter and
website• Open communication
Chapter Programs
Seek out speakers from diverse backgrounds
Doesn’t always have to be DPW director
Always remind speakers the need to be sensitive to diversity
What is humorous to you may not be to others
Hold panel discussions on diversity Hold younger member activities
Chapter Programs
Mentor programsStudent programs at universities
Student programs at elementary and middle schools
Chapter members
Awards for members
Why Embrace Diversity?
“There wouldn’t be a sky full of starsif we were all meant to wish on the same one.”
~Frances Clark
Why Embrace Diversity
Increases creativity Increases productivityIncreases camaraderieIncreases the best and brightest employee poolIncreases communicationReduces conflictPromotes inclusionPromotes synergy
Why Embrace Diversity?
Everyone brings unique perspectives
We are diverse
It is a reason to celebrate
Diane Linderman, PEVanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.At-Large Director, Leadership and Management804.343.7100 [email protected]