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The Path
Individual
Harvard researcher Robert Kegan talks about subject-object theory: Subject stands for thoughts and ideas we are fused with, areas where we don’t have conscious awareness, because they are are embedded within us. It is the proverbial fish swimming in water, but doesn’t know it swims in water; that is, until the fish is on land. The fish is subject to living in water. A person is subject to the lenses through which they look, subject to the limitations and biases embedded in that perspective. Object refers to things that people can reflect on, handle, be responsible for. Once we are like the fish on land, we can then look at, take control of, and face our thoughts and ideas. This objectivity gives reflection and choice, that can set values and match the actions and behaviors we make toward them.
Interpersonal
Add curiosity to objectivity, and one's world, and mind, can open. If I am stuck on my view, unable to hear another’s experience and perspective, that keeps me in the fishbowl of water. Bringing a curious mindset to notice, value, and leverage differences is a turning point in the journey toward inclusion.
Institutional
The values an organization lives by critically influences inclusion (or exclusion). When an organization commits to being an inclusive one, it enters into a process of new understanding, auditing and restructuring its processes, procedures and structures with inclusive practices. And practice is a good word - just as an individual practices who they want to be, so does an organization. When an organization sees and values difference, it creates a culture that continually overcomes all forms of oppression. Then full participation is evidenced in limitless ways of personal satisfaction, fulfillment, and organizational success.
Societal
The way a society structures itself with laws and policies influences not only who can succeed and thrive, it creates the water in which we all swim. It creates a collective mindset. Any inequalities that operate within that society perpetuate in reinforcing ways, with cumulative effects.
As James Baldwin said: "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." Once a society acknowledges, with objectivity, and makes the necessary and hard changes to become equitable and inclusive, can it begin to be a place where all can thrive.
Take ACTION towards a more inclusive and equitable future
ACTION stands for Assess, Commit, Train, Implement, Optimize, and Nurture and outlines a structured approach to building an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute their best work. These fundamental principles also drive innovation, employee satisfaction, and overall organizational success.
Take ACTION to create a workplace where everyone can thrive.
Assess the current state of diversity and inclusion within the organization.
Commit to clear, measurable goals for improvement.
Train employees and leaders to recognize and mitigate biases.
Implement policies and practices that promote inclusivity.
Nurture a culture of support, recognition, and celebration of diversity.
Optimize strategies through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Individual Attributes to Lead an Inclusive Workplace
Commitment
Cultural Intelligence
Cultural Intelligence
Anyone can show up as a leader toward this more just and inclusive future. "It starts with me." Empowering oneself, with humility and courage creates a new future; through words, behaviors, mindsets and actions. It takes effort, to be sure. Being a part of creating a new culture and future can be among the most meaningful efforts of a lif
Anyone can show up as a leader toward this more just and inclusive future. "It starts with me." Empowering oneself, with humility and courage creates a new future; through words, behaviors, mindsets and actions. It takes effort, to be sure. Being a part of creating a new culture and future can be among the most meaningful efforts of a lifetime. Being willing to be imperfect, vulnerable and often uncomfortable can expose the grace within.
It requires:
- Willingness to be vulnerable, uncomfortable, challenging (all with grace)
- Empowering others
- Humility
- Courage /Bravery
Cultural Intelligence
Cultural Intelligence
Cultural Intelligence
We don't know what we don't know. We do know that there are falsehoods and incompleteness built into our portfolio of knowledge. Our often mis-informed personal worldview and the reality that our human brain is biased can motivate deeper understanding and a new practice of valuing difference. This comes with curiosity toward the perspecti
We don't know what we don't know. We do know that there are falsehoods and incompleteness built into our portfolio of knowledge. Our often mis-informed personal worldview and the reality that our human brain is biased can motivate deeper understanding and a new practice of valuing difference. This comes with curiosity toward the perspectives of others, empathy toward others lived experience and a desire for catalyzing the spectrum of possibility.
This requires:
- Self awareness (recognize personal worldview and where bias is present)
- Motivated to deepen cultural understanding and value differences
- Curiosity toward the experience/perspectives of others
- Empathy
- Perspective taking
Communication
Cultural Intelligence
Communication
Everything starts with communication. It is the basis of relationships, knowledge and experience. Seeking out and valuing different perspectives, actively listening, asking curious questions all honor a new way of communicating. Openness to new ideas also gives permission to land in greater conviction to what is now true and right.
This re
Everything starts with communication. It is the basis of relationships, knowledge and experience. Seeking out and valuing different perspectives, actively listening, asking curious questions all honor a new way of communicating. Openness to new ideas also gives permission to land in greater conviction to what is now true and right.
This requires:
- The ability to hold discomfort
- An openness to change
- The ability to receive feedback
- A commitment to take space (to speak what you see) and to make space (for others)
- Truly seek out and value different perspectives