How to take account of diversity issues when developing working relationships with colleagues?

Answer 1

I've dealt with this on a limited basis. What I've found are three rules to keep in mind:

1) Don't make the difference the issue. Your working relationship ought to be developed on a value-added basis primarily, not on the cultural, ethnic, religious, or other differences you may be able to talk about.
2) Be sensitive to where they may be coming from. There are issues that will come up that they're going to feel differently about. Be aware when they're going to feel like the outsider or awkward.
3) Keep it authentic. When bloopers happen, deal with it directly and face to face. People sense when you're coming from an honest desire to get things done, and when you're just trying to be politically correct.

Answer 2

Develop Working Relationships With Colleagues

Answer 3

Don't expect everyone to have the same views, attitudes and experiences as you. Be open to others' viewpoints. Think very carefully about how people's differences really affects how well they can do their job. don't assume that for example people are stupid because they have a southern or ebonics accent. don't assume people are smart because they are asian. don't assume the black men will be good at basketball. don't assume that "women are better at software, men are better at hardware" as one boss once told me. don't assume that women have children to take care of and men don't. don't assume that someone speaks spanish because their name is hernandez. don't assume a woman's husband is black just because she is black and number one don't automatically assume that people are heterosexual. for example when you meet a woman at work don't automatically assume she's interested in men. don't assume...don't assume based on stereotypes.