Today's workforce is more diverse than ever before. But despite new
perspectives and talents, the promise of increased innovation rarely
materializes. Why are so few businesses seeing results? Studies show
that diverse teams are more creative than homogenous ones--but only when
they are managed effectively. The secret is to minimize conflict while
maximizing the informational diversity found in varied values and
experiences. To do this, both leaders and team members need a high level
of cultural intelligence, or CQ. Drawing on success stories from
Google, Alibaba, Novartis, and other groundbreaking companies, "Driven
by Difference "identifies the management practices necessary to guide
multicultural teams to innovation, including how to: Create an optimal
environment - Build trust - Fuse differing perspectives - Align goals
and expectations - Generate fresh ideas - Consider the various audiences
when selecting and selling an idea - Design and test for different
users Cultural differences can lead to gridlock, or they can catalyze
innovation and growth. This research-based plan turns diversity's
potential into economic reality.