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bgsu magazine: Spring 2006 |
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Building a culture of ideas
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IDEAS ARE THE HEART OF ANY ORGANIZATION.
The best ideas, the ones with transformative power, according to Dr. Sidney A. Ribeau, come from the rich dialectic tension
created by people with diverse views. “My ideas get better when people who are different from me challenge them,” explains
Ribeau. “Whether the person is a scientist, student, factory worker, theologian, artist, engineer, philosopher or technician,
the person will bring to the discussion a unique lived experience that will test the hypothesis of my idea. It is in these
dynamic beliefs, viewpoints and perspectives that we get the richest mix and best ideas.”
THE CHALLENGE FOR INDIVIDUALS, UNIVERSITIES, BUSINESSES
and society is to harness the diversity created by human differences to contribute to shared goals and objectives. Dr. Ribeau
took up that challenge to create a culture of ideas at Bowling Green State University. “Negotiating relationships with people
different from ourselves is one of the greatest communication challenges, but also the most effective way to create transformative
ideas.”
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SOME DIFFERENCE—SIZE, ETHNICITY, AGE—ARE READILY APPARENT.
Others, such as religion, education, wealth, intellect, desires and personality may be revealed more slowly. While many see
diversity only in terms of differences, Dr. Ribeau believes true diversity encompasses all the ways humans are similar as
well. “Although our differences are many and easily identified,” he says, “I suggest we have many similarities that, in my
view, are more powerful than our differences.”
“THE CHALLENGE TO BULDING A CULTURE OF IDEAS
is to develop communication strategies that help people move past the surface differences to find the similarities that can
unite us in excellence,” adds Ribeau. “Our work force is only going to become more diverse in upcoming years. If we fail to
recognize potential because the person does not fit into the traditional boxes we have become accustomed to, then we will
miss out on an extraordinary amount of talent and possibilities for personal and organizational progress.”
FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS, DR. RIBEAU HAS BEEN HARNESSING
the power of diversity in order to transform BGSU into a premier learning community. “You can just try to ignore the differences
in people and work with groups in which you are most comfortable. However, diversity, or human difference, is a living part
of the fabric of our society,” he explains. “If we want to live in a world that is humane and civil and shows reciprocal respect
for individuals, then we can't just talk about it or wish it. We must live it day to day by the decisions we make, how we
treat people and by the values we express. At BGSU, that means fostering an environment where people are encouraged to express
a range of ideas and beliefs and where they come together for a common purpose because of what is shared.”
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