Mental Diversity – A Crucial Lesson from Lisa Madigan

Lisa Madigan, the incredible Illinois Attorney General, was the guest speaker for the Executives’ Club legal forum event I attended this week. I want to share an excellent point she expressed at the event with you.

When we talk about diversity within companies, it’s natural to primarily think of physical diversity such as gender, ethnicity, etc. But what about mental diversity?

When we have employees of different backgrounds who are encouraged by the employer to engage in suggestions and opinions, and are given the comfort level to express their thoughts, it only serves to enhance the company by understanding the different avenues that can be taken.

She gave an important example of a time when all major company players were of the same background: before 2008, when the top level management of the big banking houses didn’t see the downfall coming of the mortgage market. She posits, that since they all came from similar backgrounds they all thought the same way. Now I’m sure there must’ve been some who recognized the potential fall, but unfortunately their voices were too small for anyone to really hear.

We happen to be in short term or temporary housing as some call it, but this relates to all types of companies.

It is extremely important for us, as our guests come from all over the world and we are always looking for ways to make them comfortable in our corporate apartments. It could be the littlest thing, such as surprising them with a miniature flag from their country as they walk into the apartment.

Everyone within our company engages in this dialogue of ideas and thoughts which truly makes it fun and exciting for all.