As a strategist, I often conduct visioning sessions for clients. During these sessions we explore the vision for the organization by asking:
- What will it look like when you have achieved the vision?
- What will people be talking about?
- What would the newspaper headlines read? What will social media be saying?
- How will you feel?
Generally participants have a difficult time expressing the vision in ways that others can actually “see” it happening. I think this is not only difficult when trying to envision a new future for the organization but it is difficult to be specific about what inclusion looks like when it is working well. At the very least, we don’t have a shared mental model of what it looks like. It will be different for many of us.
So the following vision is mine. I claim it. I do, however, invite you to individually or as a team develop your vision (one that you can actually see). Many inclusion visions sound something like…create a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. What does such a culture look like?
I See A World Where…..
We are excited about our diversity. We see it as something to explore and leverage and honor. I liken it to the orchestra with its many instruments, each unique, each adding value, in perfect harmony.
We understand our interdependence…that I cannot be all that I can be, if you cannot be all that you can be.
There is no more “us” and “them” where “us” is thought to be better than “them”.
Color matters because it is a part of the array that makes us unique and interesting.
We freely and respectfully talk about our differences and it brings us closer together not further apart.
GLBT individuals enjoy all of the rights and privileges of every other citizen.
We recognize that our ingenuity is because of our diversity not in spite of it.
We engage in learning about our differences because we want to, not because we are forced to.
Women are just as likely to be CEO’s as men.
People with disabilities are just as likely to be employed as those not.
We resolve our differences peacefully not with violence and bloodshed.
Children of color grow up knowing that they are just as good and can accomplish just as much as anyone else.
We each continually face our own baggage, biases, and blockages and are always open to new ways of thinking and being.
People clamor for the job of Chief Diversity Officer because it is one of the most important roles in the organization. Not because there are numerous inequities to fix, but because of its significance in furthering the mission of the organization.
What is your vision for inclusion? I would love to hear your thoughts.
