Today’s companies are no longer just local, national, and/or international.  We talk now about globalization of the workforce. Wikipedia defines: Globalization as the increasing interconnection of people and places as a result of advances in transport, communication, and information technologies that causes political, economic, and cultural convergence. In other words, the world is getting smaller but in the process it is developing an increased consciousness of the world as a whole.  Globalization is the driving force requiring companies to develop workforces with the competencies, attitudes and skills to keep up with the challenges of our ever changing and increasingly complex world. This means administrators and managers must develop cutting edge leadership styles that value and appreciate the opportunities diversity and globalization present by developing a more inclusive workplace environment. 

Dr. Scott E. Page, a professor of complex systems, political science and economics  at the University of Michigan, has done scientific research on the benefits of diversity in organizations. In his most recent book entitled:  “the difference: How the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools and societies” he reports that diverse groups of problem solvers outperformed the groups of the best individuals at solving problems because diverse groups got stuck less often than the smart individuals, who tended to think similarly.

Our Austin Group defines inclusive workplace environment as follows:

            An environment where recognition and respect for individual differences is valued and promoted,
            acknowledging its benefits to work productivity and employee retention.  In this environment
            interpersonal understanding and individual skill development is encouraged and facilitated. 
           Moreover, individual differences such as race/ethnicity, culture, nationality, physical and mental
           abilities, personality types, gender and/or sexual orientation, and spiritual beliefs are valued and
           appreciated.

We help organizations develop an inclusive workplace environment through a process called, “Maximizing the Strength of Your Team.”

After conducting staff development workshops for more than 20 years, Our Austin Group’s consultants have concluded that the majority of inclusion concerns and issues are focused around three areas: team building, conflict resolution, and problem solving.  Therefore, we have developed a training philosophy that anyone can learn and become more effective.  We accomplish this by forming a learning partnership with our workshop participants so that we might help them appreciate and value differences among individuals.   

Thus, Our Austin Group’s customized workshops and ongoing consultation services are designed to facilitate: 1. symbiotic work relationships, 2. collaboration strategies, 3. problem-solving techniques, 4. conflict resolutions strategies, and 5. motivational check points strategies.  There is a focus on leadership development; team building; and facilitating interpersonal communication and collaborations.   Workshops and training materials are designed to integrate strategies for auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners.

Our Austin Group consultants work closely with clients to develop a customized design that fits their need(s) and timelines.  For example, workshops can be designed for all levels of an organization, from a half-day to a two day intensive format.

For additional information, contact: Beverly Tucker, Life Strategies Coach
                                                          Phone: (512) 926-8061 • Fax: (512) 928-3870 • Email: greenbev@aol.com