Today, I am thankful for those who remind us to listen to diverse viewpoints.
A common theme espoused in today’s corporate culture is the importance of a diverse workplace. In fact, a survey conducted by Forbes in 2011 of over 300 senior executives confirmed three interesting findings regarding diversity: (1) diversity is a key driver of a company’s innovation and creativity; (2) a diverse workforce at a company helps attract top talent; and (3) the responsibility for the success of the company’s diversity and inclusion efforts lies with its senior management. However, we should also recognize that diversity is not a physical attribute based on one’s gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious creed. Rather, a good leader wishing to instill a culture inclusive of all individuals must also carefully consider the import of ‘diversity of thought.’ That is, a good leader is actively seeking out the insightful input of individuals harboring a viewpoint often distinctive of the conventional mainstream. In doing so, a good leader espouses an inclusivity mindset.
For a case in point, I turn to the 16th President of the United States and his selection of the members for his Cabinet. Now, I realize some of you might be thinking how can I possibly turn to a time when all the leaders in the government were white men in their sixth or seventh decade in life to prove a point regarding diversity. Well, let me explain.
The 1860 Republican convention held at the newly minted Wigwam Convention Center in Chicago was supposed to be a ‘shoe in’ for the lead Republican candidate from New York, William Seward. In fact, entering the convention, Senator Seward was well ahead of his three potential rivals, namely Governor Salmon Chase of Ohio, Senator Simon Cameron of Pennsylvania, and former Congressman Edward Bates from Missouri. No one gave much of a chance to a little known former US Representative from Springfield, Illinois – the ‘rail splitter’ Abraham Lincoln. However, after Seward failed to secure the majority on the first ballot, many of Cameron’s delegates shifted their nominations to Lincoln on the second ballot, bringing Seward and Lincoln into a veritable tie. Finally, after the third ballot, Lincoln secured the nomination, much to the chagrin of the other four potential Republican nominees. The Republican Party appeared to be in shambles, with an unknown candidate selected as its nominee to the highest elected office in the land.
Then, something amazing transpired. After winning the national vote to become the 16th President, Lincoln proceeded to invite all the other nominees at that Chicago convention to serve on his cabinet. Recognizing the importance of having diverse viewpoints serving as his closest advisors and the need for a broad reach across all the geographic regions of the burgeoning nation, Lincoln selected all 4 statesmen – Seward, Chase, Cameron, and Bates – to join him in Washington as the heads of State, Treasury, War, and Justice departments, respectively.
Now, you might think Lincoln cunningly selected these men as a politically motivated measure to appease the divided party (and nation). To some extent, this is true, but, as history will tell us, Lincoln would routinely debate issues through his disparate Cabinet and he would change his mind based on their collective thinking. Lincoln’s greatest skill as a leader was his ability to listen to and heed the suggestions of those espousing a different viewpoint.
Today, I’m reminded of a fascinating tale that exemplifies Lincoln’s capacity to listen to all, irrespective of one’s influence. On this day (Oct 15) in 1860, as Lincoln was preparing for the election that would secure him the White House, an 11-year old girl from Westfield, New York, wrote Lincoln a letter urging him to do just one small thing to secure the nomination: grow a beard. Young Grace Bedell informed the Republican candidate, in a way only a child can, that his face was too thin, and he really needed whiskers to fill out his oddly chiseled chin. She explained to him that women prefer men with beards, and some facial hair would really encourage women to have their husbands vote for the Republican candidate. A few days later, Lincoln kindly responded to Grace in writing, thanking her for the advice; however, he made no promises as he worried this sheepish attempt might be viewed as a ’silly affectation.’ Nevertheless, Lincoln proceeded to grow a beard, ahead of the eventual vote that would secure him the Presidency. As he made his way to Washington DC from Illinois on train, he stopped in Westfield, New York, where he disembarked from his carriage to an awaiting mass of humanity. He called for Grace Bedell to come forward. After a few moments, she appeared, holding a bouquet of flowers in her hand. Lincoln stooped down, kissed Grace on the cheek, and thanked her for the wise suggestion.
Sometimes the best ideas come from those who are completely different from you – someone who sees the world from a slightly different angle. As a leader, you can maintain an inclusive, non-dismissive mindset and choose to heed the advice. Or you can opt to ignore it in favor of a more mainstream approach.
The choice is yours, but it might help to at least yourself one simple question before making your choice: What would Honest Abe do if he were in my shoes?
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