Diversity in the Coast Guard Drawing Strength from our Differences and Similarities

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Diversityin the Coast GuardDrawing Strength
from our Differences and Similarities

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Introduction

• Todays workforce is a mosaic of skills,
  lifestyles, religions, ethnic groups, genders,
  and ages.
• Many organizations rose to the top using a
  one-size fits all approach to managing employees.
• The workforce is changing and we must change with
  it if we are to succeed.

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Objectives

• Define diversity
• Identify the changes that are taking place in our
  workforce
• Understand why diversity is important to you and
  your future success

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What is Diversity?

• Diversity is the mix of similarities and
  differences at all levels of our organization.
• Primary Secondary
• Age Income
• Gender Education
• Ethnicity Marital Status
• Physical Ability Religious Beliefs
• Physical Characteristics Geographic Location

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What Diversity is Not

• EEO - Laws that guarantee all people the right to
  apply and be evaluated for employment, regardless
  of their race, color, sex, national origin,
  religion, age, or disability.
• Affirmative Action - Workforce profile
  improvement through recruiting, retention, and
  promotions
• Diversity - The uniqueness of all individuals
  includes everyone

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Commandants
Diversity Policy
Diversity is the mix of differences and
similarities at all levels of the organization.
We draw strength from our differences and build
on our similarities to

• Create a positive environment
• Promote personal and professional development
• Empower all people to reach their full potential
• Attract talent that reflects America
• Remove barriers that hinder progress

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Why is Diversity Important to the Coast Guard?

• Survival In A Highly Competitive Employment Arena
• Full Utilization of Employee Talents
• Attract Americas Best and Brightest
• Increased Retention Rates
• Lower Recruiting Costs
• Lower Training Costs
• Improved Customer Relations

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THE WHOLE WORLD AS 100 PEOPLE Shrink the earth's
population to a village of precisely 100 people,
with all the existing human ratios remaining the
same, it would look like this There would
be 57 Asians 21 Europeans 14 from the Western
Hemisphere (north and south) 8 Africans 52 would
be female 48 would be male 70 would be non white,
30 white 70 would be non Christian, 30 would be
Christian 89 would be heterosexual, 11
homosexual 59 of the entire world's wealth would
be in the hands of only 6 people and all 6
would be citizens of the United States 80 would
live in substandard housing 70 would be unable to
read 50 would suffer from malnutrition 1 would be
near death, 1 would be near birth Only 1 would
have a college education 1 would own a computer
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Why is Diversity Important to YOU?

• Improved understanding of those you work for,
  with, and around
• Cohesive Atmosphere / Enhanced Teamwork / Higher
  Morale
• Increased Efficiency / Quality / Productivity
  within your work group
• Removal of barriers keeping you from achieving
  your goals

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Three Levels of Involvement
Honor Respect Devotion to Duty

• Personal - What is my role?
• Interpersonal - How do I interact with others?
• Organizational - How do I support my organization?

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Assumptions

• Avoid making assumptions about the people you
  work for, with, or around.
• Incorrect assumptions lead to frustration and
  poor morale.

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StarTrek A Case Study In Valuing Managing A
Diverse Workforce

• The Ultimate In Workforce Diversity
• The Coast Guard Of The Future?
• Valuable Lessons Can Be Learned

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Things That Make You Go Hmmmm!

• What assumptions do you make about the members of
  your unit?
• How many are single parents?
• Who has an elderly parent to care for?
• Who is bilingual?
• Who is a vegetarian?

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Things That Make You Go Hmmmm!

• Who at your unit is a college graduate?
• Who at your unit practices a religious faith
  other than Christian?
• Who at your unit is receiving public assistance?
• What is your diversity?

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CG Initiatives

• Worklife Program
• Career Development Advisors
• Auxiliary Business Plan
• Fitness Centers
• Daycare Centers and Assistance
• Care for Newborn Children
• Workforce Cultural Audit
• PPEP Program
• Diversity Summit

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Summary

• Our workforce is changing rapidly.
• The Coast Guard draws great strength from
  effectively using and managing its diversity.
• Personal morale and productivity improve when all
  members of a work group are valued and respected.

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Where To Get More Information

• HQ Diversity Management Division
• Gender Policy Advisor 202-475-5247
• Ethnic Policy Advisor 202-475-5246
• Workforce Policy Advisor 202-475-5254
• Diversity Management Division Web site
• http//www.uscg.mil/diversity.htm (click on
  Diversity)
• Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute