Diversity in IT: optimize for what everyone brings to the table Jennifer Marsman Developer Evangelist, Microsoft http://blogs.msdn.com/jennifer Twitter: @jennifermarsman C:\Users\samgaz\Desktop\iStock_000000755432Medium.jpg Why is diversity important? SouthPark.JPG World Population Definitions Diversity is the full range of human and/or organizational differences and similarities—inclusive of everyone. Inclusion is the process of leveraging the power of the differences and similarities to effectively integrate everyone into the culture of the organization. Agenda Women Different cultures Different work styles – introvert vs. extrovert People with disabilities Ageism Remote workers Women xkcd cartoon entitled “How it works”: Two problems: Recruit and Retain Recruit Get them interested in the first place Encourage your daughters Leverage Facebook obsessions Microsoft resources to help: DigiGirlz and ImagineCup events WiT Kit Programming languages: SmallBasic and Kodu MS Research cool stuff: AutoCollage, PhotoSynth, World-Wide Telescope Free software: MSDN AA, DreamSpark King%27s_Quest_IV_-_The_Perils_of_Rosella_Coverart.jpg Retain Top reasons women leave: Lack of role models Mentors, mentorship/career coaching Sexual harassment So, the first two are really similar. Lack of role models Mentors, mentorship/career coaching Solutions: Men can be mentors to women. Connect women to each other. See women speaking at conferences. “Featured Women in Technology” blog post series And now for the hard part… Sexual harassment Sum Total Sigma.jpg Think about ratios When is it sexual harassment? Pretty : smart ratio Sexual harassment is a scary thing for guys too Let’s bring this back to solutions… Resources Download the WiT Kit: http://womenintechnology.groups.live.com Book Club suggested reading How to run various WiT events (including networking meetings, Girl Geek dinners, and WomenBuild) Mentoring resources Famous WiT Starter questions for panels and roundtables Resources for students Presentations for student audiences (Databases, Kodu…) Different Cultures Potential Issues, Part 1 Know the culture. In some cultures, it’s offensive to drink alcohol. In some cultures, it’s offensive NOT to drink alcohol with them. Orientation to status – emphasis on hierarchy, boss is always right, bypassing a superior Communication styles – direct vs. indirect, non-verbal communication Potential Issues, Part 2 Emphasis on building relationships – some cultures value developing relationships before diving into a project; others value focusing on the project and let relationships develop as they work Decision-making styles – use of delegation, majority rule vs. consensus for group decisions Potential Issues, Part 3 Monochronic vs. polychronic – mono prefers to do just one thing at a time; poly does multiple things at the same time (open door, ringing phone, meeting) Sensitivity to time – value of punctuality Individualism vs. collectivism – valuing initiative and working well independently vs. collaboration and working well in groups Solutions AWARENESS! Resources http://www.pbs.org/ampu/crosscult.html http://www.analytictech.com/mb021/cultural.htm (somewhat generalizing but good look at cultural dimensions) Other Forms of Diversity Introverts vs. extroverts Different meeting styles Solutions: Make an agenda or brainstorming topics available in advance of the meeting Solicit feedback both in person and using written communication Myers-Briggs Assessments Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I) Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N) Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F) Judgment (J) vs. Perception (P) Resources http://www.myersbriggs.org/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers-Briggs_Type_Indicator Disabilities Hearing, sight, wheelchairs… Solutions: Don’t make assumptions – communicate and ask how you can best support them http://dartmed.dartmouth.edu/winter09/images/uphill_battle_07.jpg Ageism Perceptions of older employees: more expensive (due to experience and health benefits), less adaptable and less comfortable with new tech “Age discrimination claims grew at a higher rate than all other types of discrimination except for those based on religion. Ensuring a continued climb is the fact that a growing number of baby boomers -- people born from 1946 to 1964 -- are expected to work past age 65.” - http://www.globalaging.org "I'm not optimistic that when they realize they need older workers that they will see the light. It's not viewed as seriously or as wrong as other forms of discrimination." - Laurie McCann, an AARP senior attorney Solutions/Resources: http://internsover40.blogspot.com EEOC age discrimination hotline: 800-669-4000 (http://eeoc.gov) Remote workers Not included in hallway conversations Harder for them to have a prominent role in conference calls if everyone else is together Solutions Make decisions in meetings, not in hallways Always have a conference call/phone line available for meetings, and use LiveMeeting/Lync/WebEx/etc. if you are presenting slides or sharing your desktop If an impromptu brainstorming session starts to catch fire, reach out to include others or be sure to follow up with them later Key Takeaways Actively think about how to create an inclusive work environment Communicate, communicate, communicate! Don’t make assumptions – I got to go to PDC ahead of a more senior team member because of his wife’s health Q&A