Discriminatory practices affect the job satisfaction of all employees — not just those who are discriminated against. Promotions, bonuses and benefits should be awarded based upon the candidate's qualifications and performance on the job. If an employee consistently sees promotions being given on the basis of gender, race, age or other discriminatory factors, his/her drive to advance within the organization or perform to the best of his/her ability is negatively affected.
Staff who observe regular discrimination are more likely to leave the business, increasing the company’s turnover levels. If a company's voluntary turnover is high, it is probably losing skilled, competent workers. Recruiting and training replacements is costly to the organization and affects productivity. If an employee believes there is no future for him/her within the organization, he/she will be less invested in the job. Although he/she may not have found another position, the fact he/she doesn't intend to stay permanently means commitment and loyalty is less than someone who plans a long-term career with the company.
Parallels to discrimination in business can be drawn with upline and downline relationships in network marketing. For example, if an upline plays favorites and does not offer equal support to downline within her/his organization, it will foster feelings of jealousy, resentment and even despondency. In many ways, an upline leader is looked upon in ways similar to a child admiring a parent, a student respecting a teacher or an athlete being mentored by a coach.
It’s part of human nature to get along with certain people better than others. But when leading a downline organization, it is imperative to show the same amount of patience to each new business building team member. Variations in personality will drive part of the upline leader’s approach to each team member, but the perception of equal opportunity is very important. No one wants to be made to feel that he/she does not offer as much potential as anyone else on the team. And, one of the things that makes network marketing so appealing and interesting in the long run is that often times, the team member that really succeeds may appear most unlikely a candidate. The nature of network marketing allows many shy, introverted individuals to transform into the best salespeople, because when they share or pitch products and opportunity, they come across the most authentically.
The best way to discriminate, whether in business or in network marketing, is to observe an employee or downline, build a relationship and then figure out the best way to motivate productive behavior. Don’t let preconceived notions drive your actions. Remain open and lead with optimism and a benevolent heart. You will be amazed at the results.