In our quest to create inclusive spaces, we often grapple with the paradox of inclusivity: the discord and discomfort that inevitably arise from diverse perspectives being invited into common ground. A few weeks ago, at a beautifully diverse conference, the opening keynote delivered a statement that hit a nerve - it was as if all 1,200 of us in the room had a collective reaction. The speaker referenced the War in Gaza as the Genocide of Palestinians. Some audience members felt a sense of validation as the speaker spoke their truth. Others felt attacked, perceiving the speakers description as a challenge to what seemed patently untrue.
This incident unfolded in a space priding itself on inclusivity. And truly, it was. This experience spurred a fascinating conversation with a wise colleague, who reminded me that if inclusivity doesn't provoke some level of discord or discomfort, it might be a sign we've succumbed to the group think that masquerades as "inclusion."
During the closing keynote another wise colleague, Allison Gister, shared the insight we all needed to be reminded of: "There is no fundamental truth, aside from the fact I can always learn more."
Allison's words are the definition of wisdom - experience distilled. As we navigate a world where multiple realities coexist, it's increasingly vital to hold our beliefs lightly and approach ourselves, colleagues, and fellow beings with curiosity. A gap in understanding is an opportunity for exploration, not for further entrenching our preconceptions.
True inclusivity demands more than open doors; it requires the courage to delve into the complexity and intensity that diversity and divergence ignite.
Here are some strategies needed to navigate these challenges effectively:
Actively Listen: Commit to understanding before being understood. Engage with the experiences, feelings, and perspectives of others without immediately crafting a response or judgment. Active listening means tuning into both the content and context, the seen and unseen.
Explore Alternatives: Seek out perspectives that differ from your own. This pursuit can enrich your understanding of issues and contribute to a more inclusive environment. If these perspectives aren't accessible in your immediate surroundings, find them through podcasts, articles, and books that elucidate alternative viewpoints. Admittedly, this can be challenging to do, but you will find it enlightening to learn how your colleague’s adversarial opinion developed by exposing you to what they hear, watch or read.
Invite Dialogue: Conversations build connections. They are two-way channels that provide spaces for individuals to share their views, experiences, and concerns without fear of retaliation or dismissal. Foster dialogue by asking open-ended questions and prioritizing listening over speaking. As Fred Ross, Sr. advised, "When you are tempted to make a statement, ask a question instead."
Foster a Culture of Inquiry: Create an environment where curiosity leads. Promote questioning and exploration over relying on outdated truisms, adages, and assumptions. A growth mindset, focused on inquiry, aids any system in unveiling deeper understandings and connections.
Suspend Righteousness: Clinging to beliefs as if they are unassailable truths is a direct path to strategic and relational conflict. Releasing this rigidity opens doors to empathy, deeper comprehension, and new possibilities.
By integrating these practices, we navigate the shadows of inclusivity with greater ease and enrich our communities and workplaces with a wide range of human experiences. These tools help us become not only better leaders and colleagues but also better friends and partners. Embodying inclusivity, though challenging, is crucial for transforming the epidemic of isolation into a tapestry of connectedness, despite our differences. With courage and dedication, we can embrace inclusivity and expansion as we address the myriad of challenges before us.
