The article was prepared by Edyta Szela, , a mentor in the STEAM Academy project of the Girls Code Fun Foundation.

Why is diversity a strength?

In teams and groups, diversity is one of the key factors for success in adult life. It makes no difference whether we are talking about business, science, or social initiatives. However, we often forget how important it is to nurture this diversity from an early age. For young people to fully utilize their unique talents and potential, we must move away from standardization in favor of an approach that sees differences as an asset.

The foundation for building this diversity is awareness of three key areas: talents, skills, behaviors, and motivation, which—when combined—form a matrix that highlights each person’s individuality and uniqueness.

Let’s take a closer look at how we define talents, skills, behavioral styles, and motivation, and why they are crucial for building synergy in diverse groups.

What do we call a talent?

Talent is an innate predisposition to perform certain actions exceptionally well or with great ease. It can relate to artistic, analytical, social, or technical abilities. Popular examples of talents include:

  • Artistic thinking – the ability to create original works of art.
  • Data analysis – an innate ease in identifying patterns in numbers.
  • Interpersonal communication – a natural ability to build relationships and engage in conversations.

There are many models for identifying talents. Personally, I am a fan and daily user of the Gallup model, which identifies 34 talents. These help understand what makes a person unique and how they can develop their strengths. It also highlights potential risks associated with these talents and the aspects that should be considered in interpersonal relationships.

What is a skill?

A skill is an ability that can be developed through learning and practice. Unlike talent, skills are acquired and can be improved as needed. Examples of skills include:

  • Writing – developing the ability to communicate thoughts clearly and persuasively.
  • Programming – mastering coding languages such as Python or Java.
  • Conflict resolution – practicing mediation and finding compromises in difficult situations.

It is the combination of talents and skills that provides the tools for effective action in various areas of life.

What is a behavioral style?

A behavioral style refers to how people react to different situations, collaborate with others, and make decisions. In this area, I rely on the DISC D3 model, which is based on Jung’s theory. It classifies behavioral styles as:

  • Dominance (D) – goal-oriented and quick decision-making.
  • Influence (I) – openness, enthusiasm, and ease in establishing connections.
  • Steadiness (S) – a calm, stable approach and empathy in relationships.
  • Conscientiousness (C) – accuracy, precision, and attention to detail.

Each style has its strengths, which are invaluable in different team roles. Everyone possesses all types of behavior to some extent, but in varying proportions and degrees of manifestation.

Does a behavioral style determine a specific way of life?

A behavioral style primarily helps us understand ourselves—what we need, what we should consider in our relationships with others, how we may be perceived by others, and how to communicate effectively.

Does a behavioral style determine, for example, whether someone can be a salesperson? Not necessarily. I know excellent salespeople with a dominant I style, as well as those with a dominant C style. They operate differently, serve clients in different ways, and use different communication strategies, but… both are effective because they use their natural resources.

What is intrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation is the force that drives us to act of our own free will, without the need for external rewards. Examples of intrinsic motivation include:

  • Desire for growth – the need for continuous learning and knowledge acquisition.
  • Passion for creation – joy in creating new and valuable things.
  • Helping others – satisfaction derived from contributing to the community.

Understanding what motivates young people allows us to support their development in alignment with their values and needs.

What is synergy, and why is diversity a strength?

Synergy occurs when the collaboration of different people with unique talents, skills, and behavioral styles leads to better results than if they were working individually. Diverse teams:

  • Adapt more effectively to changing conditions.
  • Build more balanced and efficient relationships (although this requires some effort!).
  • Find more solutions and have more resources—they complement each other not only in terms of skills but also in their reactions to various situations.

Diversity is not just about tolerance for differences—it is about actively leveraging their potential.

Ways to develop and strengthen diversity in youth

  • Individualized education approaches – considering different learning styles and students’ strengths.
  • Creating collaborative spaces – promoting group projects that require cooperation between people with diverse abilities.
  • Developing empathy and openness – teaching the understanding of different perspectives through workshops, simulations, and discussions.
  • Providing self-awareness tools – using methodologies such as DISC D3, Gallup, or others that help young people better understand themselves.

Three practices for adults to support diversity in children

  • Ask questions instead of giving answers – e.g., “What do you think would be the best solution?” This encourages independent thinking.
  • Expose children to diverse experiences – enable participation in artistic, sports, and science activities to help discover potential talents.
  • Appreciate individuality – instead of comparing a child to others, praise their unique qualities and way of thinking.

Diversity among young people is the foundation of strong, creative, and resilient teams in the future. By supporting young individuals’ unique traits, we build a world where differences become the greatest asset.

Sources:

  • “Recognizing Potential and Strengths and Limitations of Children’s Abilities in Parents’ Narratives“ – Joanna Łukasiewicz-Wieleba, Warsaw 2018.
  • “Attitudes and Lifestyle of Youth“ – edited by Łukasz Szwejka, Warsaw 2024.
  • “Developing Personal Competencies in Youth“ – Mgr Justyna Pawelec, 2017.
  • “How to Develop Students’ Socio-Emotional Competencies? A Guide for Educators and Teachers“ – TROS-KA, Post-Diagnostic Materials, Part IV, Warsaw.
  • “Diversity Management as a Key Competency of the Modern Manager“ – Marzena Syper-Jędrzejak, Wrocław 2014.