How to address a diverse work force

Four ways to communicate to diverse audiences without letting political correctness run you over

In Toronto, Canada, where I live, the demographic makeup in a city of over two million people is extremely diverse; we speak 150 languages and half of us are foreign born. Obviously in such an environment, recognition of diversity is essential.

But too often in Toronto and all over the world, “respecting diversity” means focusing on the minutiae of lawsuits, special interest group complaints and bad publicity—hiring “diversity consultants” to teach us how to be politically correct.

For a humorous take on a company going the distance in its commitment to diversity, check out this YouTube clip.

Here are a few tips on how to be respectful without being so politically correct you never actually communicate anything: