Publisher's Synopsis
Is there an alternative to unity in uniformity or division in diversity?
How can we learn not only to work harmoniously with people of different professions, races, cultures, or ways of thinking, but also take advantage of diversity to make better decisions and carry out more complex projects than what we could achieve with a group of people who think alike?
This book explores the nature of unity in diversity and how it can be practiced among different:
- Countries
- Professions
- Teams
- Organizations
- Family members
In the process it explains the need to make decisions using consultation, with an attitude of investigating truth and taking into account the well-being of all.
In order to achieve this it examines the following guidelines that are necessary for productive consultation:
- Fomenting affection, harmony and sincerity among the members.
- Sharing what one's conscience dictates
- Expressing opinions with courtesy, dignity, care, and moderation
- Listening carefully to the ideas of others
- Not disparaging the ideas of others nor getting upset if someone contradicts one's ideas
- Not insisting on one's own opinion
- Postponing discussion of the topic if there is conflict, anger or antagonism
- Integrating the positive points of different opinions, striving to reach a unanimous decision,
- Collaborating in carrying out the decisions made
It then proposes several steps that can expedite the process of coming to a decision. These include:
- Delimiting the topic to keep the consultation focused.
- Writing down the known facts and identifying further areas to investigate
- Identifying relevant principles
- Brainstorming several lines of action or possible solutions.
- Selecting a solution or a set of appropriate lines of action.
- Applying the solution or lines of action and evaluating the results
The book concludes with concrete suggestions of how to deal with conflicts that may arise due to diverse cultural norms.
If you want to go beyond tolerating diversity and learn to enjoy its benefits, this book is for you.
