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Some says that the 2018 France World Cup win was not just for the French, but also for other foreign nations where many of the team’s players have roots. This was France’s second win since 1998, this time beating Croatia 4-2 on Sunday July 15. Evidently the teams’ appeal to foreign players most of whom are of African descent underscores what we already know about diversity—that together we are better and stronger!
Today, many firms and nations alike are facing the daunting question of how diverse they should be or want to be or are forced to be. With the future of work changing, and the internet of things challenging businesses to rethink who their target customer is, diversity of talent has become the one variable yielding greater gains for those willing to add it to their mix of strategy. The French soccer team is no different, and thus we should not be surprised that they emerged as the most competitive of all to win this year’s cup! After all, research and stats proves what common sense inform; that the more diverse views and talents you seek and engage with, the richer your perspectives.
According to research study by Boston Consulting Group, “Up to 41% of big companies’ variation in innovation can be explained by diversity in the industry backgrounds, career paths, and gender of their managers.” Additionally, the same study further shows that when companies diversify their talent pool in the leadership positions, they tend to see a rise in revenue over the long haul, “Companies with the greatest gender diversity (8 out of every 20 managers were female) generated about 34% of their revenues from innovative products and services in the most recent three-year period. That compares with innovation revenues of 25% for companies that have the least gender diversity (only 1 in 20 managers were female).” To stay ahead in today’s competitive environment, businesses and governments can no longer ignore the diversity question. While some may not agree that a diverse society is better than otherwise, results such as those delivered by the French team cannot be ignored. Only the fool and the ignorant deny the undeniable facts that a diverse team of employees, talents, citizens, players or leadership is richer, better and stronger together.
In his book, “Together is better” Simon Sinek argues that we are wired to connect with others, and even seek out others’ well being from which we also find our own. He adds that , “Relationships – real, human relationships – really, really do matter. The stronger our relationships, the stronger the bonds of trust and cooperation, the more we can accomplish and the more joy and fulfillment we get from our work and personal lives.” This explains why many of us across the globe feel so connected to the French team because humanly speaking, we all like to win, and are attracted to triumph and the feeling of euphoria to the point we cannot help but join in on the celebrations. Bravo Team France!
Clearly, diverse teams, stakeholders, nationals and people groups tend to have a significant impact on culture and innovation. A study by Harvard Business Review found that, “When at least one member of a team has traits in common with the end user, the entire team better understands that user. A team with a member who shares a client’s ethnicity is 152% likelier than another team to understand that client.” In the case of France, tapping the undeniable talent of the ethnically diverse pool of players was not only strategic in that it brought the desired results, but it also bolsters France’s sense of unity. Some online spectators remarks that the team’s chemistry and DNA superimposes their ethnic origins. Whether the unifying spirit lasts beyond the World Cup celebrations remains to be seen. Whatever the case, the fact is that diversity makes us better and stronger, and Team France’s win reinforces this reality.
To conclude, the 2018 French World Cup win can serve as a case study for all across the board: nations, governments, corporations, communities and even those opposed to diversity. It would be of great help if these entities would rethink and reimagine how far they could go or benefit if they embraced diverse views and ideas. After all, together is better and stronger! Who knows what solutions and answers this could spring forth when we genuinely become aware, curious and choose to embody a new approach of seeing the world in a different set of lenses? Whether we embrace diversity or not, the choice is ours. As for the French win, their diverse talents and skill delivered the win, proving to the world that they were the most prepared, trained, driven, hungry, and the most competitive! What was your take on Frances’ Team win and diversity? Share your thoughts, I would love to read from you too.
Carolyne helps professionals gain CLARITY around building a meaningful career. A speaker, author of Being Grounded: 21 Days To Come Alive and Love Your Life, and a contributing writer for various publications. To schedule your 45 minutes complimentary session with her, you can write her at carolyne@vpfstrategies.com
