INCLUSION: The Power in an Hour
From the time I started writing my new book, I wanted to create the opportunity for readers and believers in this mission to have a place to tell stories, to share experiences, to problem-solve, and most of all, to experience and practice the art of putting our differences to work --- consciously --- first-hand.
Today, I held my first in an ongoing series of Putting Our Differences to Work DIALOGUES. These one-hour conversations, held at my online Center for Dialogue at the Global Dialogue Center Conference Center, are designed for sharing your perspectives and discussing your issues, in a small, intimate virtual setting. Learn more and sign-up.
It was a small gathering, representing many differences. With just five of us, we represented different geographic perspectives: Canada, Germany, China, East Coast and West Coast United States. We also reflected the lives of corporate project manager, graduate student, writer, entrepreneur, and consultant --- and many other dimensions of difference.
In just one hour, we got a glimpse into who we are, where we had lived and worked, and shared thoughtful perspectives with one another on the topic of INCLUSION --- giving each of us something to take home. Here is a summary of some of the themes:
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE INCLUDED?
- Having a sense of belonging.
- Having access to all of the "gifts" of life.
- Belonging in a way that taps into the soul of who you are.
- Inclusion is both an environment you create and an attitude you carry with you.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO CREATE A "CULTURE OF INCLUSION" WHEREVER WE GO?
Two themes from the group about their personal practices... (paraphrased)
- Cultivate non-judgmental listening. "I found this worked as I transitioned from a Corporate career to my own business. The big challenge was learning self-management. Learning to listen has helped invite customers in the process. I discovered I didn't have to be the one talking all the time."
- Purposeful listening and also broadening your awareness of the diversity of others. "I ask myself how can you lend a voice to help bring others into the process."
- Listening and showing respect are important --- but involvement matters too. "We need to go beyond listening and respect. We have take time to learn enough about each other, so we can see the value and help each other get involved."
LEADERSHIP FOR INCLUSION IS EVERYONE's JOB
As we continue to realize the implications of the changes in the landscape of leadership being as local as sitting at our desks and as collaborative as time, distance, difference and technology can take us, we all recognized that INCLUSION is not optional. Diversity is the reality of our world today and INCLUSION is the essential ingredient that "fuels" the best in all of us. It enables and accelerates the generation of new ideas, innovation, change, and growth. You can have all the diversity you want, but without a welcoming culture of inclusion for us all to grow and contribute, diversity can create chaos as we witness all around the world.
We agreed that we can't afford to have anyone opt-out from assuming the role of being leader of inclusion. With all the change that is needed in our organizations, corporations, communities, and the world, we have to recognize what Nelson Mandela reminded us in his book, Long Walk to Freedom: "With freedom comes responsibility." We all own making INCLUSION on every level part of our collective consciousness.
REFLECTIONS ON AN HOUR WELL-SPENT
Before we left our time together, we all shared one thought in reflection about the value of showing up for a conversation with new found friends different than us.
- I am leaving with a sense of possibility...
- I have conversations like this in my day-to-day work, but it was inspiring to learn from others from diverse places and careers, outside my work, discovering they too have passion about the idea of inclusion and putting our differences to work. I feel hopeful.
- Fabulous conference. ...I am very uplifted with the like minds who attended. One by one we will make differences work.
- I learned a lot from listening to others; I like to share stories and find it very inspiring to hear others.
What thoughts do you have on the topic of INCLUSION to add to these?
The next Putting Our Differences to Work Dialogue is Tuesday, August 12. Learn more...
Hope you can join us!
Debbe
Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
new book!
Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership and High Performance
by Debbe Kennedy ▪ Berrett-Koehler ▪ June 2008 – Hardcover
ORDER a copy at AMAZON.COM
Also available in DIGITAL DOWNLOAD at Berrett-Koehler
Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future
