Join the Movement

Diversity does not automatically lead to inclusion. Inclusion is a system for making sure the organization is welcoming at every level to every individual. Leaders love to tout their commitment to diversity, even as they continue to hire and promote people who demonstrate the “thoughts” that have already been deemed worthy. In other words, they say they want diversity of thought and then they hire for conformity of thought.

Tribal thinking in business puts people into the boxes they check (much like diversity) and divides departments, work and people. This makes the people in the silos less cross-functional, collaborative and communicative. What’s the point of bringing diversity into your organization if you don’t let people share what makes them distinct?

Finding ways to let individual identities impact the brand can be powerful. Organizations that make employees and consumers feel included and understood on an individual level will have a huge advantage over those that don’t.

Every organization has a mission, vision or value statement and employees will buy into it on the surface because there is no freedom not to. But why should that matter, if what is most meaningful to people is to know they have a chance to contribute their unique skills and strengths.

“Results” is not a negative word. But too often our focus on results keep us from seeking bigger opportunities to grow in the future. When you let people break free from the standards of the past and attack challenges in their own way, you open up new possibilities through experimentation.