In the spirit of standardization (meaning a focus on uniformity), that is growing in popularity in organizations around the world, is there room for diversity?   For example, while organizations pronounce that "standards are everything," what can be said of the limits to uniformity?   Is there a place for diverse thought, such as might surface using six, if not more, thinking hats?   Is there room for left-handers?   Should everything be standardized, including language?   Or, should advancements in the implementation of standardization include a context for advocating standardization?   At times, multiple languages and multiple software systems, assisted by translators, might provide a more systemic solution.   That is, a more economically viable solution, in which the investment in variety is off-set by the systemic savings.

On April 15, 2004, Major League Baseball started an annual tradition, Jackie Robinson Day, to honor Jackie Robinson, who worked with his family, his management team and fellow players on the Brooklyn Dodgers, to bring down the color barrier in Major League Baseball on April 15, 1947.   Every year on this date, players, managers, and umpires honor Jackie Robinson by wearing his number, 42.   Year by year, in a voluntary system, the number wearing 42 has risen, leading to 100% participation for the past 4 years. Their display of uniformity honors a leader who challenged a set of standards, not to mention a leader who broke records on the field.   Does one number always fit all?   As always, it depends on the context.   Diversity in player numbers will return to Major League Baseball tomorrow, with pink bats coming soon.

If you're interested in exploring the limitless implications of diverse thought, as it applies to teamwork in industry, government, and education, through better thinking about thinking, we invite you to join with peers at the In2:InThinking Network 2013 Forum in Los Angeles, California, from June 19th through 23rd, on the campus of California State University, Northridge (CSUN).  This year, our ever timely focus will be;   

"The Art of Reflection: Connect - Inspire - Act"

If you are not able to attend our Weekend Conference, you are most welcome to attend any of our 18 Pre-Conference sessions, all free, with the exception of a $40 material fee for one (N - What We're Learning About the Brain).   Webcasting is also an option; find details at this link.    A $25 discount on our webcasting offer is in place until May 8th.