Nurturing Diversity of Thought -Lessons from Home and Workplace

As someone who’s spent years in HR, I’ve always championed diversity in its many forms – cultural, gender, experiential. But diversity of thought? That one stumped me at first. It sounded abstract, like a buzzword without a clear path.

What does it really mean? To me, it’s about creating spaces where different perspectives aren’t just tolerated but truly valued, leading to richer ideas and better decisions. I learned this the hard way, through trial and error, both as a mother and in my professional life. And it all tied back to something profound: psychological safety.

Lessons From Home: Creating Safe Spaces for Honest Conversations

Let me share a story from my own home. My son, Rudra, is 14 – a bundle of energy with passions that pull him in unexpected directions. This year, he played football in the Reliance Youth Foundation, where he thrives on the field, dreaming of professional leagues.

But he’s also obsessed with wildlife photography, sneaking out with his camera to capture birds and animals in their natural habitats. As a parent, I face tough choices about his education. Should I push him toward a traditional academic path – safe, structured, like the one I followed? Or let his interests guide us?

At first, I defaulted to my instincts: lectures about stability, subtle nudges toward usual streams/subjects. But Rudra clammed up, his excitement dimming. Our conversations felt one-sided, with me dominating out of worry. Then, reflecting on my work, I tried something different. I created a “safe space” evening – just us, no judgments.

I shared my own vulnerabilities first: how I’d once abandoned a creative hobby for a “practical” career. I listened actively, repeating back what he said to show I understood: “So, you love the thrill of a game-winning goal, but photographing a rare bird feels like capturing magic?” I didn’t interrupt or dismiss his wild ideas, like combining sports with environmental advocacy.

The shift was magical. Rudra opened up about his fears – failing at football, missing out on school if he pursued his passion for football/photography. We explored options together, like a professional course for wildlife photography. Our bond deepened; he trusted me more, and I gained insights into his world.

By fostering psychological safety –  that sense of being able to speak up without fear of ridicule – and letting the future unfold on its own. It wasn’t about me being right; it was about us growing together.

From Parenting to Leadership: Psychological Safety in Practice

This personal revelation echoed what I encountered at work. As CHRO of Hilti India, I was thrilled to roll out a capability-building program inspired by “The Psychological Safety Playbook” by Karolin Helbig and Minette Norman.

I’d been part of the team that shaped it, including “Moments that Matter” for leaders. The book became my guide, breaking down psychological safety into practical, simple moves anyone can try. It’s not about grand gestures but small, human actions that build trust.

Building Cultures Where Diverse Thinking Thrives

In organizations, diversity of thought flourishes when leaders create this safety net. Why does it matter? Without it, teams fall into groupthink – echo chambers where innovative ideas die unspoken. But with it, people share bold thoughts, challenge norms and learn from setbacks, driving real progress. Google’s Project Aristotle showed it’s the top predictor of team success.

How do we nurture it? Start with communication: Invite diverse views by admitting what you don’t know. I’ve said in meetings, “What am I missing here?”, “ I don’t know, you all can guide me” to encourage input. Master listening – focus fully, paraphrase to confirm understanding, without jumping to solutions.

Manage reactions: Notice when defensiveness creeps in and pause before responding. Welcome failure as learning: Share your own “intelligent failures” to normalize risks. And practice inclusion: draw out quieter voices.

At Hilti, weaving these into our culture felt natural, not forced. It reminded me of home – humble steps that unlock potential. I’m no expert; I’m still learning. But if my experiences with Rudra taught me anything, it’s that safety sparks true connection and growth. Try one move today; you might be surprised at the thoughts that emerge.

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