Introduction

As we learned in one of our resources in Unit 3, often our reactions to difference are rooted in fear or discomfort. This reading on diversity and inclusion focuses on helping us see differences in a more holistic and positive way. Simply put, diversity is defined as the presence of differences, while inclusion is defined as the practice of ensuring belonging and value. Key barriers to inclusion include unconscious bias, microaggressions, and ethnocentrism, which organizations can overcome through cultural intelligence, active allyship, and inclusive leadership. Performing a self-evaluation can help you to improve your appreciation of the complexity of the global society we live in. This includes taking the time to analyze how our own identity provides advantages or disadvantages in different situations. Fully embracing our own authenticity enables us to foster an environment where others around us feel both a sense of belonging and value for their unique differences.

In the Social Change Model of Leadership, Collaboration is defined as "Working with others in a common effort by capitalizing on varying perspectives and the power of diversity". This group-level value in the SCM model is essential if we want to work toward common goals in a way that values all voices.

Diversity and inclusion have never been more important or talked about issues than they are today. With the connectedness of our world via social media, video conferencing, news outlets, and other sources, we instantly hear what is happening the moment it occurs. This kind of connectedness requires a new lens through which to view our world and consider how our own identity plays a role in our perceptions of it. Additionally, as our world becomes more complex and connected, we need new ways to look at and talk about the world in less divisive and more inclusive ways.

This chapter will lead us on a journey to consider who we are at the many levels of our identity, how we can come from a place of knowing ourselves to better seeing and understanding others, and how we can challenge ourselves to shift our perspectives to see differences in a new and more holistic way to create more inclusive environments that welcome and value everyone!

It is easy to look at the world through our own lens and draw conclusions based on who we are and what we have experienced. This chapter challenges us to go beyond the "known" and into a more challenging territory where we seek to see the world, not as we are but as it is.

This may sound simple to do, but it requires us to both listen openly and be willing to learn from those around us. We often tell our students that there are two important things to remember when engaging in discussions where we might have a different opinion or perspective:

Listening to you does not mean I agree.
Learning from you does not mean I will change my mind…but I might.

Students tell us that these two statements, when taken to heart, open up a kind of spaciousness in the room where assumptions can fall away, and we can really hear each other. Often our judgment or reaction to others who are different from us is based on fear. It might be fear of what others will think if I listen and do not openly disagree. It might be protecting a value that I hold dear. Either way, if we face our fear or discomfort, there is so much to learn!

This chapter on diversity and inclusion focuses on helping us see differences in a more holistic and positive way. We present you with ways to consider and welcome difference. This starts by examining who you are. We believe the only true way to value differences in others is to be completely open and comfortable with who you are! Being authentically "you" actually helps others be more authentically who they are when they are with you. This also includes the recognition that who we are may offer some advantages (often termed "privilege") or disadvantages (sometimes called "marginalization") depending on where we are and who we are surrounded by. Being aware of both our privileges and where we may be marginalized may help us be more skilled at creating spaces where others feel both welcomed and truly seen!

Source: Gina S. Matkin, Jason Headrick, Hannah M. Sunderman
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