Dreamers & Makers

On the occasion of European Diversity Month, we spoke to Beatriz Bravo, Innovation Programme Manager at Sener, about the impact of diversity on companies, innovation, customers and business.

Beatriz, you manage innovation at Sener, do you think having diverse teams helps innovation? Why?

Diversity in teams not only helps innovation, it’s a fundamental driver of it. When you combine different ways of thinking, the group’s ability to solve complex problems and find original solutions is enhanced. Diversity can refer to gender, culture, age, academic and work experience, and more. Each of these aspects adds another layer of wealth to the creative process.

For example, a team with members from different countries can better understand how to adapt a product to global markets. An intergenerational team can balance experience with the freshness of new ideas. And gender diversity can guarantee that products and services are inclusive and consider a wider range of needs and desires.

In short, diversity isn’t just a question of fairness or regulatory compliance; it’s a smart and effective strategy for boosting innovation and long-term success.

At Sener, we work with teams from four different generations: in your opinion, and based on the department you lead, what can we learn from different generations?

Each generation brings with it a set of experiences and knowledge that are the result of having lived at different historical and cultural times. In the area of innovation, I believe there are valuable lessons that we can learn from each one:

• Baby boomers are usually regarded as hard-working and goal-oriented. We can learn from them the value of experience and work ethic. They also have a great ability to make decisions based on years of hands-on experience.
• Generation X is known for its independence and adaptability. They have been pioneers in balancing their work and personal life and can teach us a lot about managing change.
• Millennials are collaborative, technologically skilled and change-oriented. They can teach us how to harness technology to work more efficiently.
• Generation Z provides a fresh perspective and is hyperconnected. Members of this generation can teach us about the latest trends, digital communication and the importance of corporate social responsibility.

In my opinion, intergenerational learning enhances teams by allowing different generations to share their unique knowledge and skills. This improves innovation and creativity, and fosters a more harmonious and productive work environment.

Cognitive diversity is related to more creative and innovative teams. What are the challenges and advantages of working with these teams?

Cognitive diversity, which refers to differences in perspectives and ways of thinking among team members, can be a powerful source of creativity and innovation.

The advantages of working with these teams are immense: they promote broader, deeper thinking, letting you tackle problems from multiple angles and leading to more creative and effective solutions. Diversity of thought can translate into a greater ability to anticipate future challenges and respond to them quickly.

However, the challenges are also significant. Communicating effectively can be more complex when people think differently. There may be misunderstandings or conflicts that require careful and considerate resolution. In addition, integrating a variety of perspectives into a cohesive vision can be a delicate process that requires patience and leadership skills.

In summary, teams with cognitive diversity have the potential to be extremely innovative and effective, but they require careful management and communication skills to overcome the inherent challenges and make the most of their advantages. It’s the balance between these challenges and advantages that can lead a team to achieve its maximum creative potential.

This year’s slogan is “Embracing inclusion and diversity to shape the future of work”: what do you think we can do individually to create more inclusive work environments?

As an innovation manager, I firmly believe that inclusion and diversity are essential for a prosperous workplace in the future. Individually, each of us can be an agent of change, and actions we can implement include:

• Training to understand different cultures and experiences enriches our perspective. Empathy is our most powerful tool: actively listening and assessing the contributions of everyone creates a respectful environment.
• As for communication, it must be deliberate and considerate, avoiding exclusive language and stereotypes. It is crucial to support diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• In leadership positions, it is important to promote an environment where everyone feels valued and can prosper, and to make sure everyone has a voice in meetings.

Every small step we take towards inclusion and diversity adds to a more equitable and diverse workplace in the future.