Reconstructing Inclusion S2E4: Drawing Larger Circles: DEI Beyond Political Division

Reconstructing Inclusion Podcast

Welcome to the Reconstructing Inclusion Podcast!

Today, I’m excited to dive into a timely and challenging topic: navigating the winds of political change while maintaining our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As we explore this theme, I’ll share insights on how we can view perceived setbacks as setups for meaningful comebacks.

Personal Reflections on Political Dynamics

Let me share a personal story that significantly shaped my understanding of political dynamics. In 2016, I had extensive conversations with friends from my hometown in Topeka, Kansas, who were now living in various states like Ohio, Florida, Arizona, and Georgia. What surprised me was their discomfort with Hillary Clinton—not due to her competence but rather a lack of trust in her intentions. These discussions occurred in private settings where people felt safe expressing their true feelings. This experience was so impactful that I predicted Trump would become the 45th president and ultimately left Facebook due to the backlash I faced for sharing my thoughts.

“While my perspective on Trump's character didn't change. I still viewed him as a distraction machine who thrives on creating chaos.”

Lessons from Switzerland

My perspective shifted further when I moved to Switzerland in 2019. Here, people often mentioned Trump with raised eyebrows during conversations, seemingly gauging my opinion about him. While I still viewed him as a chaotic distraction, I became more neutral politically. A profound lesson about governance came from my stepdaughter, who pointed out that certain behaviors simply don’t apply in Switzerland due to clear rules and societal expectations. This reinforced my belief that governance structures shape behavior—not through mandates but through unspoken community norms.

“In Switzerland, there's a societal expectation, an unspoken, unwritten code to adhere to the rules, which leads to smoother operations.”

The Importance of Nuance in Political Discourse

In my exploration of political discourse, I’ve been influenced by Zaid Jilani’s writing on Substack. He offers an anti-partisan perspective that encourages nuance over preachiness. Jilani emphasizes that regardless of who wins elections, we must avoid growing angrier at one another based on differing political beliefs. He quotes civil rights activist Pauli Murray, highlighting the importance of inclusivity over exclusion. This resonates deeply with me as I believe our shared identity as Americans should take precedence over divisive politics.

"I shall draw a larger circle to include them where they speak out for the privileges of a puny group." - Pauli Murray

Defining Anti-Fragile Organizations

As we navigate these complexities, I believe we need to create what I call Antifragile organizations with a set of principles that are accessible to all, unambiguously prioritized, and purpose-aligned. Through our emergent inclusion framework, antifragile organizations are characterized by four essential elements:

* Dancing with Tensions: Learning to navigate the complexities of similarities and differences.

* Fostering Agency: Encouraging individuals to contribute confidently while supporting one another.

* Co-active Boundary Stretching: Enhancing communication and understanding beyond identities.

* Cultivating Genuine Care: Recognizing our interdependence and wanting growth for ourselves and others.

"Anti-fragile organizations thrive on the complexities of similarities and differences."

Re(de)fining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Let me break down how I define diversity, equity, and inclusion:

* Diversity: Any mixture of similarities and differences along with their respective tensions. (from the work of Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas)

* Equity: Vigilantly identifying fairness gaps and learning what’s needed to close them.

* Inclusion: Creating conditions for everyone to thrive and contribute extraordinary value.

In my consulting work, I've observed that many DEI initiatives fall short because they rely on a limited toolkit. When you only have a few tools at your disposal—like a hammer—everything looks like a nail, leading to ineffective applications.

The definitions I use are reflective of the approach my firm takes. This leads to the outcomes of people thriving and organizations being generative and creating immense value through and beyond their P&L sheet.

"Diversity is any mixture of similarities and differences; equity is about identifying fairness gaps; inclusion creates conditions for everyone to thrive."

Reflections on Trump's Presidency

Reflecting on Trump's presidency reveals both positive and negative developments worth examining. While some appreciated economic growth and criminal justice reform during his first term, we cannot ignore the events of January 6th. Witnessing the chaos around the Capitol was jarring; it remains etched in my memory as a shocking moment for our nation. In discussing Project 2025 during this year's campaign, it’s essential to recognize its implications for federal representation and diversity within governance structures. Although some ideas presented may not be new, they reflect a more pronounced transparency associated with Trumpism.

Despite many in DEI being worried about our work, the incessant catastrophizing about Project 2025 and fascism, it isn’t a Trump administration that will fell DEI. If it diminishes, it will result from ineffective and dated approaches.

A second Trump administration is more of an opportunity to elevate our practice than a warning sign of its imminent demise. What do you think?

“This is not the America I love, and I refuse to fall into that mental trap.”

A Call for Vigilance in DEI Practices

Despite facing criticism from peers regarding my views on these issues, I remain steadfast in my belief that America will not become more racist or homophobic as a result of current initiatives. Catastrophizing creates unnecessary suffering—most often self-inflicted—and it’s crucial not to fall into that mental trap. The current approach to DEI work frequently relies on outdated orthodoxies that haven’t proven effective over the past 50 years. A clear pivot toward innovative strategies could significantly benefit diversity and inclusion efforts.

“For us to create a better America, considering our influence on the world, we must recognize our indivisibility and reconstruct the future together.”

Conclusion

As we look forward, it’s vital that we support one another with vigilance and diligence while embracing our similarities and differences. Hope is essential in this journey; as Dr. Seuss wisely said in my book, Reconstructing Inclusion, “It doesn’t matter what it is; what matters is what it will become.” This perspective is crucial for understanding both political changes and our ability to make DEI work effective and impactful.

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