The old cliché goes, “Diversity is being invited to the party; Inclusivity is being asked to dance.”
But if that dancefloor continues to play only one type of music, the result is the same people dancing, with isolated groups stood around the edges unable to take part or contribute.
Setting the door policy seems simpler.
The door policy is important: visibility and representation absolutely matter – and we need to do a better role of reflecting the societies that we serve.
But recruiting different types of people to then have them in a non-inclusive environment? That’s a boy’s club.
Diversity is the 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 of inclusivity.
It is as much – if not more so – about the work environment and culture, as it is about individuals.
Can you be 𝘺𝘰𝘶?
Do you have to context switch?
Do the unwritten social norms allow for it?
Creating spaces where all can say, “I don’t agree”, “I have a different idea” or “I need help” is the role of 𝐚𝐥𝐥 leaders.
[Summarised from p94 of Constellation: Leadership reimagined for a connected age: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1836887973/ ]
