What are the characteristics of multicultural leadership?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2010 one-third of U.S. residents will trace their descents to Africa, Asia, the Hispanic world, the Pacific Islands or the Middle East. The most successful businesses will be those that incorporate the influences, practices and values of these diverse cultures in a respectful and productive manner. Through implementing multicultural leadership, not only does your company stand to create a better, more enjoyable work environment, but you will be able to better handle the needs of your multicultural employees and customers.

In her book, Salsa, Soul, and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age, Juana Bordas says, Multicultural leadership encourages an inclusive and adaptable style that cultivates the ability to bring out the best in our diverse workforce and to fashion a sense of community with people from many parts of the globe. It enables a wide spectrum of people to actively engage, contribute and tap their potential. That's why making sure that your workplace has culturally inclusive leadership will be one of the most important transitions you make into the new globalized world.

Here are the characteristics, provided by Bordas, of multicultural leadership:

• First, you need a history lesson. Expanding the leadership at your organization into a multicultural form requires an understanding of how Eurocentric and hierarchicall leadership became dominant in the first place. That means beginning with our society's myths concerning the settling of America, which deny the historical contributions of communities of color.

• Think we, not I. Today's corporate world is an incredibly competitive place where the accepted motto seems to be Every man for himself. Bringing in multicultural leadership will put an end to this sometimes harmful way of thinking and will create a working environment where the focus is on mutual, not singular advancement. The Black, Latino and American Indiana cultures, for example, are usually more tightly woven and integrated than Eurocentric cultures and as a result, they cherish welfare, unity and harmony.

• Practice generosity, not greed. In communities of color, being generous is an expected leadership trait that indicates integrity and garners respect.

• Flatten your leadership structure. Traditional leadership today, particularly in corporate America, is associated with fat salaries and mega bonuses, the big office, corporate jets, special parking places and the numerous privileges that come with being in the top echelon. These types of perks create elitism that runs contrary to the principle of equality in the workplace, resulting in economic and social chasms between leaders and employees.

• Help people learn to work better together. No two people come from exactly the same background. Despite outward similarities, every employee, manager or CEO is unique. Successful businesses are those that learn to accept the small differences that make us human and work together for the greater good of the organization.

• Minimize conflict by reminding employees that they truly are family. Aside from heading up different projects and managing different departments, company leaders are expected to bring together employees who don't get along. Any number of conflicts can arise in an office setting, and by using the right leadership techniques, you can alleviate conflict so that everyone works together.

• Focus employees on a company vision. Almost every organization has a company motto or promise that is meant to inspire employees and assure customers that only the highest quality product or service will be coming their way. But does your company's vision really represent the beliefs and attitudes of all of your employees? Is your company's vision a community vision?