Easier INC

Inclusion: it's a bit of a mindbender isn't it?

 

To be inclusive we all need to operate in a way that allows everyone's voice to be heard. At least that's my interpretation of inclusion. Diversity means we have a range of voices in the room, inclusion is that we're able to hear each other. If variety (read diversity) is the spice of life, inclusion is our collective ability to create some amazing tasting dishes. 

I would characterise our current working methods as producing rather 'samey' bland dishes. We don't really mix it up that much. We really need to change the methods and ways of working we use. From closed shops, to open fora, from executive to inclusive governance. From debate to dialogue.

Unfortunately, this change conflicts with many current methods of conversation and decision making. And generally those that are are in power and control are happy with the current methods. The new methods are messy, unpredictable and can take longer. 

So some of the questions we face are really tricky. If those that have control are quite happy and we want to try something new, don't we have to sometimes ignore them? And isn't it more likely that these individuals will have a louder voice and therefore hold greater sway over what happens? So by including them, aren't we likely to perpetuate the current ways of working and keeps the status quo?

And so how do we clear the way for voices that are unheard to be heard? At what point do those that are seeking a more inclusive society, say 'no' we must reach out to new voices, even if it threatens those in control. And in so doing potentially being exclusive in doing so. How must we keep the doors open to all, yet allow new, fresh voices to rise up, to not be trampled down by those already in control?

Then the next set of questions concern the new methods. Which few are particularly practiced at. So it's likely to go wrong or not work quite as well if we're just beginning to strengthen these new skills. 

These are not new questions, but ones we at POP are constantly facing. We face it with the difficulty posed by the natural limits of capacity, the personal difficulty some of us have when have managing our worst selves, all the time not knowing whether we are doing the 'right' thing. Intention has a role to play in this. What are our actions in service to? Collective benefit, personal ego?

No one can claim inclusion is a nice, fluffy side of life. It's not about glibly agreeing, pandering and accepting any behaviour. It's about deep personal work and caring for the relationships that keep us all buoyant.

It's also critical for the future of society. It's what keeps us alive and fresh. It's what stimulates and promotes innovation.

In Plymouth it's incredibly heartening to see many pieces of work that allow new voices to come forward. Whether it's the Trauma Informed work that is giving children and young people a voice, the Inclusive Leadership programme via Sky Space CIC and Diversity Business Incubator or the work of the City Council in championing Appreciative Inquiry in service improvement and development. POP is excited to sit alongside these efforts (and many others), helping to connect and strengthen through relationships and the space between. 

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Format: Blogs

Tags: Decision Making , Inclusion , Diversity

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