Diversity, Change
& Leadership
By Carlos E. Cortés & Chani Beeman
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
• You know each other, but we don’t know you.
• Please introduce yourself and tell us something
about your name.
DIVERSITY
1. People are both individuals and members of multiple
groups.
2. Those groups influence (but do not determine) the lives
of people who belong to them.
3. Each individual is partially shaped by he constellation
of groups to which she or he belongs.
4. Groups have patterns (often known as culture).
Therefore, members of different groups have
patterned differences.
5. Learning about groups provides clues to individuals
who belong to these groups.
6. Concerning diversity:
 Thing in generalizations, not stereotypes.
 Think in group intersections, not silos.
Leadership
Challenge
The Globe
US Society
You
Change
RACE AND ETHNICITY OF
RCCD SERVICE AREA
(CENSUS DATA)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Asian/Pacific-Islander
Black/African-American
Hispanic/Latino
Native American
White/Caucasian
Other
2010
5.6%
9.6%
51.2%
0.4%
28.3%
4.9%
2000
5.7%
10.5%
41.7%
0.4%
38.8%
2.8%
Service area includes Corona, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris and
Riverside. Listed cities account for 75% of enrolled students.
INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE
• Board Policy 7100 – Commitment to Diversity
• Revised Recruitment and Hiring procedures
• Revised committee preparation
• Equity Monitors Program
• Implementation of Diversity Initiative
DIMENSIONS OF DIVERSITY
Gender
Globalization
Language
Disability
Diversity Matrix
Internal
Equity
Effectiveness
External
CULTURALLY CENTERED
COMMUNICATION
1. Be nonjudgmental.
2. Be flexible.
3. Be resourceful.
4. Personalize observations.
• Skills:
• Use "I-messages" rather than "you-messages."
• In your own words, repeat what the other person is saying, for
understanding
• Listen actively, no interruptions, focus on the other person's
message.
CULTURALLY CENTERED
COMMUNICATION
5. Pay attention to thoughts and feelings.
6. and 7. Listen attentively/observe carefully.
8. Assume complexity.
9. Tolerate the stress of uncertainty.
CULTURALLY CENTERED
COMMUNICATION
10. Have patience.
11. Manage personal biases.
12. Keep a sense of humor.
13. Show respect.
14. Show empathy.
CHALLENGES OF LEADERSHIP IN A
DIVERSE SOCIETY
1. Understanding – Draw constructively and flexibly
on knowledge about groups, while using that
knowledge as a clue and a generalization, not as
an assumption or stereotype about individuals.
2. Balance – Foster the development of common
goals while drawing upon the strengths of diversity
in order to work toward those goals.
3. Limits – Accommodate constructively to diversity
while also determining which accommodations
are reasonable and which need to be limited.
CHALLENGES OF LEADERSHIP IN A
DIVERSE SOCIETY
4. Equity – Work toward equity by determining when
it is appropriate to treat all people alike and when
it is appropriate to treat them differently.
5. Communication – Facilitate constructive, civil
dialogues about polarizing, emotion-laden issues.
6. Complexity – Continuously develop your
understanding of the changes in and complexities
of diversity, including your ability to grapple with
diversity’s inevitable ethical dilemmas.