30 Jun COACHING IN TIMES OF INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
The rapid internationalization of politics and the economy has fostered an interdependent, interconnected, and perpetually interrelated global society. One may wonder whether this process shapes a harmonious, unified, and amalgamated culture that embraces diversity. However, the notion that globalization would homogenize humanity is proving misguided. Contrary to initial expectations, the ongoing process of globalization is not leading to socio-cultural uniformity but instead fueling a resurgence of individual identities yearning for recognition and validation. These compelling insights are elucidated in the thought-provoking article “Diversity Management: The Value of Differences,” authored by Enrique Arce and Ana Irusta. This enlightening piece was featured in the December 2012 issue of Harvard Business Review.
“In the case of women, the path to top management positions is often filled with difficulties, some manifest and others less evident. The cement walls that stand in the way of executive positions are varied and sometimes interconnected. Hence, the importance of investigating those aspects that, despite seeming almost anecdotal. Matters such as training, whether internal or external, professional ambition, the type of leadership exercised by women, whether their work is in the headquarters, in provinces, or a small locality, age, motherhood, or the level of involvement of their partner, are also determining factors when explaining the hurdles that all those who aspire to the highest positions must overcome.” These statements are highlighted in the Development Path for Women in Banking: Reflections over the Crystal Roof in the Financial Field by Alicia E. Kaufmann, published in the September 2010 issue of Harvard Business Review.
The article “How to Manage the New Generations of Professionals: Motivations and Values of Generation Y” by Guido Stein and José Ramón Pin, published in the Harvard Business Review in April 2009, delves into an intriguing aspect: the experiences of women from Generation X who entered the job market in large numbers, achieved significant access to management and leadership positions, and did so without the presence of role models. Undoubtedly, these trailblazing professionals paved the way for others, but it came at a cost – a sacrifice of their commitment to family life. In contrast, women from Generation Y seem to reject this paradigm, as they prioritize work-life balance, equality, and flexibility. One cannot help but wonder if they can establish a new model that seamlessly integrates their professional and personal aspirations, striking a harmonious synergy between the two domains.
Continuing with the same article, as we delve further, we encounter an exploration of the profound impact of globalization during the final decade of the 20th century and the early years of the 21st century. This momentous phenomenon, bolstered by advancements in technology and communication, has contributed to the dissolution of cultural boundaries and a certain degree of cultural and customary assimilation. Within this context, the members of Generation Y are embarking on their journey into adulthood and the professional realm. Equipped with a high level of education, a diverse background, and a propensity for adaptability, they possess valuable tools to navigate this dynamic environment successfully. Yet, within this framework, individualism, often celebrated under the tenets of neoliberalism, will witness moments of heightened intensity. Individuals will be compelled to forge their path, irrespective of their desires, as no external force can replace or unequivocally guide them. This emerging trend carries both positives and negatives: the feelings of uprooting and anxiety have just begun to surface, painting a complex and nuanced picture of the future.
Diversity and inclusion are words that filled me with hope. I am a representative of Generation X, a woman in an Executive Role in a highly competitive service field. I am a wife and mother of two girls (27 and 16 years old, respectively), responsible for a household filled with tasks and taking on the financial leadership of my home. Do I feel different because I am a woman? Not really. A person with the same capabilities as anyone else, whose personal life does not prevent me from excelling in the workplace, which is something I must demonstrate given the high demands of my job. I am, perhaps, in the minority of those who manage to grow professionally. It is possible. However, my responsibilities at work are not enough reasons to stop being responsible for household chores and my daughters’ future. Despite a long workday, household tasks are still considered a woman’s responsibility. It’s incredible when I think about it because it’s not something I consciously reflect on daily.
As part of Generation X, I experienced extraordinary changes: I used a rotary dial phone for many years, waiting for the tone to dial a number; television was black and white, and gradually color TV programs arrived. And how can I forget beepers? They were the coolest! I remember still being a teenager when the first president of my home country – Colombia, had the strength to speak about globalization, economic openness, and technology so naturally. At that moment, I didn’t understand what it could mean. Still, later I realized that it is precisely about behaving, all human beings, in an interdependent, interconnected, and permanently interrelated way. Then came the cellphone and, of course, the INTERNET, which would change our lives forever. However, behind these changes are human beings, what we feel, and how we experience each evolutionary stage. With each technological advance, people are getting closer to having the opportunity to include terms like multiculturalism in our daily lives, living in a world without borders, and considering ourselves global citizens. The positive aspect is that many of us understand that we can be inclusive and that it is easy to open our minds and accept others. We can use our professional roles to influence decision-making processes and create spaces where we discuss the value of diversity and the importance of implementing it through inclusion.
To conclude, Center Source Group is committed to equal opportunity. In my city, Barranquilla, which could be more open-minded, we are a different company, standing out for accepting all individuals, starting from the selection and hiring processes. We have an inclusion policy and firmly believe that the rights of individuals should be equally respected. We support the free expression of our employees, always within an environment of respect. These statements make me feel proud of the brand I represent and see the near future with optimism.
Sunny Ballestas, CPO
June 30, 2023