The inability to manage diversity in the workplace can be extremely harmful. It can cost in discrimination suits, litigation time and money, high employee turn over rates, and a negative community image. A productive and innovative work environment won't happen with yesterday's management practices. Your employees must both want to and be able to contribute to their maximum potential. Diversity can build not only a healthy environment, but also a healthy economy. From a micro-economic point of view, differentiation in cultural and gender perspectives can help to eliminate blind spots and prevent a particular homogeneous group from going lock step in the wrong direction. [1]

The objective of diversity is to unify the entire organization and deepen the cultural change within the institution so that processes, communication and actions align with institutional beliefs, values and priorities. In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the distinctions that separate us are no longer significant. Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free [2] Organizations that desire to reach their full potential must transcend all barriers and engage all people, from all cultures, races, and backgrounds.

_________________________________________________

[1] Spitzer, Robert J. (2000). The Spirit of Leadership: Optimizing Creativity and Change in Organizations. Provo, UT Executive Excellence.

[2] Holy Bible. (1997). King James Version. Zondervan Publishing, Grand Raids, MI. Colossians 3:11.

Kenneth Rice

Originally from Laurens, South Carolina Lieutenant Rice enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve as an Ammunition Technician in 1989 where he completed a tour in South West Asia during the Persian Gulf War. He enrolled at the University of South Carolina in 1992 and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He joined the Navy in 1996 and obtained his commission through Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Florida in February 1997.

Following initial Division Officer Training at Surface Warfare Officer?s School, Newport, Rhode Island, Lieutenant Rice reported for duty as the Electrical Officer in USS ESTOCIN (FFG 15), Norfolk, Virginia in October 1997. During this tour he also served as the Main Propulsion Assistant and completed a Counter Drug Operations deployment. In December 1999 he reported for Department Head Training in Newport, Rhode Island.

In June 2000, Lieutenant Rice reported as the Chief Engineer in USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58) in Norfolk, Virginia and completed a MED/MEF deployment and a homeport shift from Norfolk, VA to Mayport, FL. From SAMUEL B. ROBERTS, he reported to the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty Two in February 2002 as the Staff Material & Logistics Officer. During this tour he completed a Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf deployment embarked in USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In August 2003, Lieutenant Rice reported to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where he received a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership and an Education and Training Management Subspecialty in December 2005. He is currently enrolled in the Naval War College Correspondence Program completing the Joint Professional Military Education Phase I and at Regent University working towards a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.

Lieutenant Rice?s personal awards include the Navy Commendation (2 Awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal (2 Awards), in addition to several service awards.

Lieutenant Rice is married to the former Marianne McGhee of Beaufort, South Carolina. They reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia with their two children, James (8) and Anir? (4).