Diversity of Thought in Hiring

I just ran across an interesting article about a possible new trend in hiring among some of the more forward-thinking companies out there. It’s a process called “Diversity of Thought” and the article, written by Randy Hain, a managing partner of the executive search firm, Bell Oaks, made some interesting points.

Click here to download the complete article, “Diversity of Thought: The Next Frontier”, for yourself.

Today’s political use of the term “diversity” represents diversity of ethnic backgrounds to incorporate more minorities. Diversity of thought goes further by highlighting potential processes that target candidates who think differently and don’t fit into the corporate mainstream as easily. Randy claims that diversity of thought is becoming “an important recruiting strategy for today’s leading organizations”. The reasoning is that diversity of thought brings fresh information and more opinions ensuring that the results are “smarter than if a single expert had been in charge”.

The hiring candidates who think outside-the-box and don’t fit the corporate culture is an anathema to today’s typical corporate hiring strategy. In fact, one of the “5 Interview Questions You Must Answer” is, “Will you fit in?” itself a variation of either “Are you a team player?” and the more blunt, “Can you be managed?”

This is because too often outside-the-box thinkers are viewed as “management headaches” according to Hain. This attitude might be changing, albeit slowly, since he makes several points that seem to underline a movement for change in the corporate world. He cites several quotes from senior level executives at larger corporations including Hewlett-Packard, CNN and L’Oreal. One of the keys is to alter the “fundamental building blocks of the company’s hiring practice (with a) careful review and modification of job descriptions and how they are used”. Also, there may be changes in the increased use of assessment testing with potential modifications that would allow a broader measurement in the screening of candidates rather than a narrow set of parameters.

Some companies appear to be well ensconced in actively seeking diversity of thought. They include Microsoft, Google, eBay and MySpace, to name a few.

As the economy becomes more competitive, especially in the US, look for even more companies to be compelled to break out of their traditional modes of hiring and to incorporate some “diversity of thought” approaches to their hiring.

This could be a breath of fresh air for those job seekers who may have felt like the square peg in a round hole when applying for a job. At some point, being an outsider may just pay off.

Joe