Diversity can create tension, but tension can be used to drive positive change and resolution of conflict, according to the guest speaker at a luncheon of human resource and business professionals sponsored by Kilgore Economic Development Corporation.
Elizabeth Campbell, partner and chief diversity officer of Andrews Kurth, LLP in Houston, spoke to about 40 professionals from northeast Texas at Synergy Center in Kilgore on “Leveraging Diversity and Inclusion: A Different Perspective on Conflict Resolution.” Campbell said that diversity can be a barrier to workplace success unless we recognize and understand how diverse or different viewpoints can enhance the decision making process.
“Be aware of differences,” she said. “Diversity is helpful in terms of problem solving. Quality decision making can be enhanced by leveraging tension, which is a natural part of group dynamics and need not be eliminated.”
She discussed a methodology to quality decision making and distributed written tools to help apply diversity management skills.
“Elizabeth was an awesome speaker; she knew her business and her tools were helpful” Said Reta Adams, Sr. Payroll Clerk for Triumph Structures in Kilgore. “Diversity is good for the workplace.”
KEDC sponsors luncheons quarterly for local business professionals with the goal of strengthening the business climate through discussions of issues that affect local business operations.
