Having lived in the multi cultural city of Toronto, Canada the past 13 years, I've seen how well ethnic diversity can work in enriching everyday life. Through my experience in building software development and consulting teams, I've learned there are many advantages to team dynamics of covering cultural diversity. Here is a list of 5 advantages that are common:


1. Saving Face

In many states, the notion of "Saving Face" is important. Notably accurate within Asian cultures, this trait often inspires team members work harder in solving tough challenges and overcoming hurdles that are technical. It really is however important to ensure team members are unafraid to speak-up when they are not clear on a particular issue. Asking questions is not an indication of failure; it'll improve their knowledge, enable them to generate better results, consequently saving face in the long run.


2. Innovative Thinking

Having recently returned from a trip to South-East Asia, it was interesting to notice how common transportation, technical and engineering challenges were solved otherwise than that of western states. Team members from other parts of the world experienced all types of distinct solutions to everyday troubles and have lived with. By pulling from their previous knowledge they can bring fresh thinking that is new to challenges your company may be confronting, however small or large.


3. Motivation to Succeed

I consider this point to be a by-product of ethnic diversity. In many instances immigrants have moved from their native state due to unrest, or to pursue chance to provide their family and themselves with an improved life. In many instances having sold everything to afford this new lease on life, and these individuals are therefore inspired to "Make it Work." Since so much is riding on the success and expertise gained, these team member regularly bring an enthusiasm and motivation to succeed which may propel themselves and the entire team through rough, challenging endeavors.


4. Accentuate Corporate Culture or your Team

An important portion of any successful business is a healthy corporate culture. What better means to build or enhance your team or corporate culture by introducing some "real" culture. Do this by covering ethnic holidays, sponsor ethnic festivals, or have pot luck lunches where each team member must bring one food item from their native state. These kinds of activities bring teams together, and help team members feel part of the complete corporate thing. Highlighting the ethnic differences within a team improves recognition within workers that each individual is giving, each individual is unique, and each individual is valued.


5. Think Globally, Act Locally

Firms are increasingly operating with the world economy that is greater as a recent fiscal crisis has shown. Hence, the impact of effectively promotion to each unique culture and truly understanding is pronounced. Cultural diversity does not just occur with outsourcing to a far away land - far from it. The greatest kind of cross-culture teams are those where the members are co-located and can give their view points that are exceptional in a timely manner. Hiring local talent that have varied ethnic foundations permit you to compete economically in today's global marketplace. Think about this: Perhaps another time you are pondering expanding into a new nation, your engineer from Malaysia may be your best advantage, rather than necessarily for his engineering skills.


An interesting note in close - I managed a software development job with a team of 8 developers. Within the team we had a representative from 5 different continents. That's at least one person from every continent in the world except Australia and Antarctica. We also proudly signified 5 distinct religions. And remember this can be from a team of just 8 people! I expect you embrace those around you and your own culture so you may learn, grow and enhance the team dynamics that you play an essential function.