Diversity Drives Innovation
Innovation is the act of introducing something new, whether it is a new product, service or idea. Innovators often fail to “get it right” the first time. However, I appreciate organizations that value innovation, because they demonstrate their willingness to try new ways to share their message and ultimately get more of their products in the hands of customers.
As leaders, we ought to recognize the value of innovation and purposefully create an innovative environment. I’m an adamant believer that if a ministry, church planter, organization or leadership team wants to cultivate innovation they must be diverse. If the leaders you have partnered with all look alike, think alike and have similar life experiences, their ideas will be repetitive rather than innovative.
On the other hand, a diverse leadership team helps to create synergy, productivity, and the ability to serve a diverse world. Each member brings a unique perspective, culture and set of life experiences to the table. Diversity allows leaders to examine their ideas from another point of view, and innovation becomes the gateway for the Gospel to reach a world teeming with diversity. It’s time to look at innovation differently as we truly seek to fulfill The Great Commission. Jesus said “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations.” That includes all nations, all races, all ethnicities, all people.
Are you suffering from a lack of innovation within your leadership team? How can we begin to value innovation and diversity in the Church with intentionality?
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This article was contributed by Scott Williams. Follow him on Twitter or at BigIsTheNewSmall.com.
I really would love to learn more about this article. I am studying to be a minister and my organization has been in service for 5 years the number of grace. I can truly understand what you are saying I need a diversity of people in my corner and in my non-profit organization. I am not 50(c)3 exempt yet because I have taking care of from small grants small donations. The best person God and my self. I just want to do right by the lord. I am the CEO/Founder. What you are saying is a true fact. It is even harder because I am a women.
I have seen how the greatest value of diversity is perspective, it’s more so in terms of are you thinking about everyone here? Sometimes, as you mentioned, with everyone’s experience, culture or look all being the same the “mid set” tends to be similar. The negative to that is the lost opportunity to reach more people and in order to do that you need different voices from different back grounds to share ideas in the process.
M_