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Creating Solutions by Embracing Diversity North Carolina Chapter Conference June 18, 2009 Diane Linderman, PE Vanasse 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.” Diversity is neither affirmative action nor an equal opportunity program. 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 Today Chaired by Jennifer Adams, DPW Tempe, AZ Chapter outreach Member education Women in public works Younger members Generational differences Diversity Exemplary Practices Award Progressive Women in Public Works Breakfast at congress Women’s essays Reception at congress InfoNow Surveys 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 management Educational opportunities Working with/managing your boss Making the most out of networking Interesting facts/anecdotes/humor Working with/managing people older than you What education do women want? They’re not ready for “your” type of leadership (female leadership) Performance evaluations Managing 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 doing Continue to advocate for female public works employees Generational Activities Subcommittee Focus Its mission is to recruit, develop, connect, empower and retain young professionals in APWA through increased opportunities and resources to enhance their professional development and success within the Association and the public works industry. Sessions at Congress Younger Member Reception at Congress Fun Activity Five attributes about: • your colleague • yourself Personal Attributes Diversity recognizes Creed Lifestyle National origin Disability Personality Educational background Processing style Thinking style Energy level Assertiveness level Values Diversity recognizes Political views Marital status Goals and ambitions Likes and dislikes Social status Income level Tenure within an organization Level of position within an organization Geographic origin Management versus union Rural 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 Attributed the value they perceived to the quality of the performance What can your chapter do to embrace diversity? You can… appoint a diversity chair create a diversity committee Embrace New Members Welcome new members (please stand!) Recognize new members at meetings Call them and invite them to next meeting Form a welcoming committee Assign greeters Special stickers Follow 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 Integrate facets of diversity into chapter activities 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 programs Student programs at universities Student programs at elementary and middle schools Chapter members Awards for members Use the Diversity Resource Guides Why Embrace Diversity? “There wouldn’t be a sky full of stars if we were all meant to wish on the same one.” ~Frances Clark Why Embrace Diversity Increases creativity Increases productivity Increases camaraderie Increases the best and brightest employee pool Increases communication Reduces conflict Promotes inclusion Promotes synergy Why Embrace Diversity? Everyone brings unique perspectives We are diverse It is a reason to celebrate Diane Linderman, PE Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. At-Large Director, Leadership and Management 804.343.7100 x6051 [email protected]