Diversity and Inclusion are two aspects of a successful company or group.

Diversity is about difference and the ways we are all alike and respect for the ways we are different.  Inclusion means that everyone in a company or group has an opportunity to fully participate and each person is valued for their skills, experiences and perspectives.  Both terms apply to the workplace, to schools, to community and social groups.

Why? For companies, as success factors, reaching larger pools of skills and experiences, involving them in a company, moving talent through and upward in a company or organization and insuring diverse views, ways of finding solutions, opening doors and maximizing efficiencies brings companies 69% more profitability; a 35% higher return on equity and 34% higher total shareholder returns, according to Pepperdine University Catalyst/Roland Berger Strategy Consultants.

By any measure for public companies, private companies, large organizations and small community groups, the same basic principles hold true - seek and build a diverse workforce or group and develop your employees' or members' talents, skills and abilities to their maximum and you will have an "edge."

In business, how can you be an inclusive leader? Know your customers and marketplace and build your company to meet the needs and demands of your clients and customers.  Ensure your success by knowing what's going on in the area of Diversity & Inclusion throughout your company.  Be visibly interested and make Diversity & Inclusion significant values for you personally and in business.  Your own sincere commitment moves into translatable values, business goals and encourages all those around you to join this culture.

In community and social groups, think of these concepts from a personal standpoint and move outside your own comfort zone, meet people different from yourself and explore other cultures and ethnicities, beyond the newest restaurant in town. Respect difference and the skill and intelligence different people bring to the marketplace and to your organization/community group.

If you are in a position to direct action: measure, measure, measure! How will you know you are building a diverse workforce or utilizing everyone's talents if you don't know what your company or group looks like in an annual snap shot? Is your company or group a comfortable place for women, people of color, different ethnicities, sexual orientations, different ability status? 

One of "someone" isn't diversity and certainly "one" doesn't bring inclusion.

Keep in mind that a group can be diverse but not inclusive.  New Jersey is 40 % diverse and now that we are so diverse, we can recognize that Inclusion is the true test for our society.