When you go with the definition, diversity involves all of us and it’s actually not about everyone except white male (often the historically advantaged demographic, whatever that might be in a particular region). But how often do we need to address white men in our diversity discussion (taken from a US to world stage, this can be extrapolated to every major demographic group that has been favored in the past)?

“Many white men in the United States have remained silent about diversity because they felt that they are not included.”

Their role is often not investigated, which could hamper the effectiveness of diversity and inclusion efforts. A particular study conducted – found out that male diversity champions possess an indisputable strong sense of fair play in which they are able to translate into action that belief too. On the other hand, the study found that the fear of making mistakes was a major barrier for women’s involvement in diversity efforts.

There is an implicit or unintentional filter that everyone possesses and these are natural and are also part of normal human beings. The aim is not to ask people for no filters, but to make them aware of those filters. These filters are malleable and can be adjusted utilizing clear actions and behaviors. The US Office of Diversity is addressing both minority and majority by using the Catalyst report with another report which serves as the follow-up one: Stacking the deck for success, of the population through a learning session part of a larger series of “frank discussions” about diversity.

“BY PARTICIPATING IN DIVERSITY DIALOGUE AND ACTION, WHITE MEN CAN IMPROVE ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT AND BUILD IMPECCABLE LEADERSHIP SKILLS.”

Diversity is about creating an inclusive culture and a better bottom line. But when it comes to the turn of the white male, it is equally about self-interest. There’s one thing that is frequently said nowadays by the leaders generally – that agility is the leadership skill that is the most significant now and in the nearest future. So, diversity is a commendable ethos and smart business

A white male leader said, “I should be able to tolerate confusion and systematically think more, and all these characteristics will make me a courageous leader” – we know that a lot of leadership skills are essential for business and organization, but diversity is a perfect place to hone these skills.

The conversations are a reminder that white men themselves are not a monolithic group – there’s numerous diversity in the ‘white male’ itself (ethnic, socio-economic, education, experience, etc.). This should never be found wanting in the larger diversity issues as some of these elements make us the person that we are. Whenever the issue of diversity comes up, the white male often feels like the “bad guys.” – As history has not been fair to some certain groups of people. The white men always desire that they would be held accountable for their actions – and perhaps if they inadvertently say something insensitive, or make a mistake, they will want to make an adjustment immediately.