(and I say this as much to myself…)
I’ve noticed that when I go to TI/SG meetings or events for professionals they are usually 90%+ white women, and it isn’t cos we are the only ones interested. There are unbelievably amazing people there but it does make me wonder:
How good are we at creating the safe, inclusive spaces we talk about if we are not attracting the diversity of professional people who do want to be there?
And are we willing to discuss it to learn better?
Psychological safety is such an important part of the work we do, and yet we rarely go deep on it in meetings, and if we don’t feel safe enough to discuss ‘uncomfortable’ things how can we help those we serve do so?
I am challenging myself on this as much as anyone, to take a deep breath when the defensive reactions come up cos we all have blind spots, that’s why we advocate reflective practise. To learn better…to check we truly include everyone, not assume we do, or put it on others to climb barriers to meet us. None of us get it all right on our own, but together…and honestly – the world is getting too divided as it is so let’s help counterbalance that and look for what we are missing…
I know some folks are really good at prioritising inclusive spaces in TI/ SG and I’d love to both learn from and promote what you do,
or if anyone wants to chat more about how we can do better together…
Namaste 🙏