For collaboration to be inclusive, diversity must be properly managed.

According to Dr. Heidi K. Gardner and Brad Winn in a new article for the People + Strategy Journal (a Society for Human Resource Management publication), much work remains in diversifying the top layers of leadership in today’s companies. But just as important is the task of making sure these individuals are included in decision-making. When groups do not practice true inclusion, diversity efforts can actually backfire. This article looks at the different ways that mismanaged diversity undermines inclusive collaboration, and offers research-backed ways for senior leaders and board members to overcome the illusion of inclusion.