Diverse teams can only develop their full innovation potential for creativity if their leader allows and encourages them to do so. Therefore, leaders of heterogeneous teams should be familiar with different leadership approaches and be able to adapt their leadership style according to the current situation and team composition.
Yet how can leaders create social cohesion in the team and simultaneously preserve, value, and promote each person’s individuality? How can they encourage the cognitive dimensions of diversity, meaning different thinking styles, knowledge sets, skills, and values of team members, while minimizing social exclusion?
Managing heterogeneous teams is challenging – but it can be learned. Here are some tools that leaders can use to develop their competencies and promote shared identity- and creativity-related diversity in their teams.