Diversity & Inclusion in Small Teams
Why Inclusion is Key to Building an Adaptable and Resilient Work Culture
At Siesta Labs, we see every project as proof that diversity drives creativity. Our culture thrives on collaboration between people with different skills, backgrounds, and ways of thinking.
But what does the research say? Studies on diversity and inclusion show that teams combining varied perspectives consistently make smarter decisions and achieve better results.
According to McKinsey’s 2018 report Delivering Through Diversity, companies with greater gender diversity in leadership were 21% more likely to have above-average profits, and those with higher ethnic and cultural diversity were 33% more likely to perform better than their peers.
Why Diversity Matters in Small Teams
Diverse teams make better decisions, and the effect is even stronger in small groups. One person with a different background can change how a team thinks and solves problems. Homogeneous teams, on the other hand, may work smoothly, but they often miss new ideas and fresh perspectives.
Research also shows that this link between diversity and performance holds true across industries, diverse teams are more innovative, adaptable, and effective in the long run.
Inclusion Makes It Work
Diversity only matters when people feel they belong. Inclusion means creating a space where everyone feels safe to speak, share ideas, and take part in decisions.
In small teams, it’s often about everyday habits like taking turns leading meetings, giving people time to add their thoughts later, and asking for different opinions. These small things help teams use their differences to work better together instead of creating tension.
The Value of Different Minds
Building an inclusive culture also starts with how teams grow. Many startups focus on culture fit, hiring people who blend in easily. But progress comes from culture add, bringing in those who offer new skills, perspectives, and ways of thinking.
It takes effort to build a diverse team, but the result is better ideas, stronger collaboration, and lasting innovation. Diversity isn’t just about numbers; it’s what helps teams stay creative and open-minded.
Building the Future Together
In small teams, every voice shapes the outcome. When diversity and inclusion become part of daily work, collaboration grows stronger and ideas become bolder.
At Siesta Labs, we keep learning how diversity helps small teams grow.
Glossary
Diversity = The variety of people in a team, including different skills, backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking.
Inclusion = Creating an environment where everyone feels safe to share ideas and take part in decisions.
Culture Fit = Hiring people who blend easily with existing norms or behaviors in a team.
Culture Add = Hiring people who bring something new that make the team stronger.
Homogeneous Team = A group of people with similar backgrounds or ways of thinking, which can limit new ideas.
Sources
McKinsey & Company. Delivering Through Diversity. 2018. Available online: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/diversity/41-ISDGBD/GBDExternal/upload/McKinseyDeliverDiv201801-2.pdf
McKinsey & Company. Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters. 2020. Available online: https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/featured%20insights/diversity%20and%20inclusion/diversity%20wins%20how%20inclusion%20matters/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters-vf.pdf