The quest for leadership is very much the quest for “What is it I am unaware of? And how can I become a fuller individual?”
For me, that’s what our topic this evening is about— about how it is that we create inclusivity in the workplace. But I think before we get to how we create inclusivity, it’s important to think a little bit about why. I am not an expert in any way on diversity in the workplace, but I picked up a few little statistics just to ground the conversation. Generally, science believes that it is in fact better to have diversity, to have a variety of opinions and perspectives and worldviews, not just because it’s good, but because it actually improves performance. It improves innovation. It even improves financial performance, which isn’t usually the marker that I look at but I know that people in business do consider that important.…
At a performance level, we can see that diversity is important. The reason that inclusivity and diversity are challenging is two sides of the same coin. It’s harder and so people work harder when they expect there is going to be a different perspective. Automatically, if I get in a group and I am like, “Oh, there is a South Asian woman in this group,” I have to begin to think differently than if I am with a group of sister girls. Right? So I get a bunch of sister girls and I’m like, “Oh, you know, we all know we are talking the same language and code switch around the language that I am using.” I have to actually think differently if there is an Asian man in the group.… I actually have to work harder, and working harder is both what creates space for innovation and a much broader perspective in terms of how we are thinking, but it is also the thing that makes people resist. Because we just don’t want to work hard—we’re lazy.
Related Content:
The Core of Belonging
In this profound conversation, Tami Simon and Rev. angel take a deep look at how society shapes our sense of belonging—and how we can all take back the power to belong for ourselves.
Living the Questions: Why 2020 Hasn’t taken Rev. angel by surprise
A companion conversation in the On Being episode that has been re-aired for the third time — Krista catches up with Rev. angel Kyodo Williams on how she’s keeping her fearlessness alive through pandemics and rupture.
The World is Our Field of Practice — On Being w/ Krista Tippett
This prophetic conversation, which Rev. angel Kyodo Williams had with Krista in 2018, is an invitation to imagine and nourish the transformative potential of this moment — toward human wholeness.
The Magic of Radical Dharma Camp – Radical Dharma Camp-Omega 2021 [excerpt]
Rev. angel walks us through the cost + violence of unfulfillment & calls us into the question of where do you stand?
Centering Leadership In Presence
Say Their Names (half/day SIT May 2022)
Thank you for saying their names, of the people whose names should be here now. 87u“may they each be held in the grace of knowing they were loved and thus rest in peace.”
Featured Event
half/day SIT – June
a simple practice of spaciousness, love & liberation led by Rev. angel