S. Gershman
Flotilla 054-23-07
FSO DV
RBS PV
IS
Abstract: This article was authored for the purpose of identifying the overarching theory of what Diversity and Inclusion is, to offer some sample inclusive leadership implementation strategies gleaned from my personal and professional career, and to identify why building upon the unity spirit in achieving the goals and objectives of Diversity and Inclusion is important to all members of the USCG, the Auxiliary, and the Public in which we serve - with Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty.
WHAT IS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION?
Diversity – The concept of Diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences; it is a range of individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, experiences, etc. It may be described by many as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, age, physical ability, religious belief, political or other ideological beliefs, but it is much more than that. Diversity is how we can explore and work together in a safe and nurturing environment, where everybody has a voice, perspective, and equal standing.
For the purpose of this article, Diversity is not how many Hispanics, African-American, Asian, Caucasian, Native- American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, two or more races, etc. folks we have in our unit!
Why is Diversity Important? - As it pertains to the United States Coast Guard, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary, it is a Force Multiplier! It is important to explore and integrate these varied individuals' input towards a common goal, initiative, or even having a general discussion, as it strengthens, enhances, and emboldens how a group begins to Think, Act, and Do!
(WiiFM) What's in it For Me? – When this becomes aninherent capability, or a standard operating procedure, it fosters mutual respect and a community of unlike minded people coming together and accepting and valuing different people's perspective, without the yelling or talking over each-other, trying only to prove their own perspective. Integrating Diversity yields individual and group strength, a personal capacity and capability to be cooperative, fostering successful outcomes, and broadens prospective and team dynamics. This is more than tolerance; it is a constructive partnership towards a progressive common goal.
It has been demonstrated to never, ever, underestimate what a small group or team of committed people can accomplish. In fact, for one demonstrative example, it resulted in the foundingof this Country, and it has continuously developed over centuries to what it has become today, because of it. Granted, we are still work in progress, but we should build upon the great successes to date. There is an old Military saying, "There are two ways to learn … Pain and Humiliation." It is therefore surmised that although we are currently seeing some pain, humiliation and division throughout the Country today, it will take Diversity and Inclusion, with extreme tolerance of each other's perspectives, to create and realize future progress - for all. It can be accomplished, but it starts with each one of us.
Inclusion – The concept of Inclusion means including all members of the organization into the work environment, in which all individuals are treated fairly, with respect and dignity. This could also include equal access to opportunities, resources, training, and advancement, which ultimately contributes to the organization's operational success, and the practiced culture of acceptance, not just utilized as a slogan. (Inclusion also has a direct nexus and impact on recruitment and retention efforts)
So, How Do I Implement It? – By including Diversity and Inclusion in our daily lives, integrating other people's perspectives, more likely than not, could deliver something greater than one individual could have accomplished by themselves. I often get the question, so how do I make it happen? There are many ways, but I offer the following examples for consideration. Example #1: As one personal example leading technology and innovation; It has been realized by my professional experience working for a Combat Support Activity (CSA), that only through integration of Diversity and Inclusion, I was able to establish many integrated high performance teams in the design, development, test & evaluation, fielding and deployment of tactical equipment for our special operators, as we practiced a collaborative, positive and proactive mindset. Through an integrated team approach, comprised of multi-generational engineers, logisticians, budget, training and test personnel, etc., from all different ethnic and educational backgrounds, we delivered new and emerging technology in months, vice traditional years. This not only delivered highly technical equipment, but delivered new capabilities. The old saying; "Necessity is the Mother of Invention", well it's true. "We didn't wait for the future, we created it!"
As Humans, we judge others - that's what we Humans do! What was interesting was "the transition"… how in some cases people who didn't even know each-other, and totally thought differently from each other, were able to work together and excel to achieve a common goal.
As we were recognized for our accomplishments by the highest levels of the Federal Government, we noticed other individuals come to us - and wanted in. They wanted to have the opportunity to do great things, a sense of belonging, to work with people who created breakthroughs – they wanted to have fun, to be actively engaged in their work, and be part of something bigger than themselves. As Human Beings – it was the act of "being" they were hungry for. How powerful, to express oneself through articulated speech, thought, and abstract reasoning through a diverse group environment, and to contribute to something really big… and important.
As a side note, and as Human Beings, the act of "being" also involves the act of doing something when we see abusive behavior towards another Shipmate. In a situation like this, I would hope that we all have the intestinal fortitude and dignity to use our strength, intellect, and voice in intervention; pulling aside an individual to have an honest conversation about their behavior, and ask them to stop. It is, therefore, the responsibility of each of us to take action, when we see an injustice to our fellow Shipmates, or even the Public in which we serve.
Example #2: Another personal example, by being open minded and accepting of Diversity and Inclusion, harnessing the intrinsic capability and capacity to work in teams not already formulated or assigned to, and it was easier to adapt, transition, and establish new teams, and to be proactive, deliveringextraordinary results. At the start of an effort, I would submit the fact that it is better to achieve small continuous victories, than to start with something really big, and fail. That would leave a less than positive experience on which to build upon.
In closing, I challenge the reader to be maniacally diligent in assessing their own personal beliefs, and open oneself to inculcating this important trait, continually developing and enhancing Diversity and Inclusion traits in their daily lives. It is through this practiced skill
and ability that it will be commonplace to foster new ideas, new capabilities, and deliver extraordinary results. Therefore, through the acceptance and promulgation of Diversity and Inclusion, it will ultimately build a sustaining diverse and equal opportunity workforce environment.
Diversity and Inclusion is part of the United States Coast Guard, and the Auxiliary's mission. So, if there is one thought to leave you with, as told to all of us long ago in the words of my Flotilla Commander, "If you stay focused on the mission, you can't go wrong."
HONOR - RESPECT - DEVOTION TO DUTY
Disclaimer: The views, expressions and personal examples presented are those of the author, and were obtained through personal and professional experience. The goals and objectives of Diversity and Inclusion within the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, are the official views of the United States Coast Guard. For more detailed guidance on the Mission, Vision, and Values, please refer to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (CG-127) webpage dcms.uscg.mil.
Posted by:
COMO David G. Porter
Asst. National Commodore
National Diversity Team
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
