July 11th, 2014
Diversity means difference. Not because I say so, but because the dictionary says so. Difference is relational; existing between people, not in people. You have to be different from someone, the relationship is inherent. It exists inside of relationships, and it exists inside of all relationships, interactions and exchanges between human beings. Anytime two or more people are gathered, diversity is at play.
There is another dynamic that is fundamental to all human interactions as well, and it is commonality. We sometimes allow our differences to dominate our attention, but commonality is always there and in my experience it is generally present in much greater quantity.
Between any and all people, anywhere at any time there is difference and there is commonality, pushing and pulling. These are the fundamental building blocks of everything shared, social, relational.
Healthy relationships, conversations, teams and organizations are built of both.
Diversity & Affinity
Divergent Thinking & Convergent Thinking
Difference & Commonality
Disagreement & Agreement
Disruption & Tradition
Diversity and affinity are both rooted in authenticity. Regardless of who you and I are, if we are being authentic (being true to who we are) with each other, there is going to be difference and commonality between us. Both have value, but both invite dysfunction on their own. Each is dangerous without the other to balance.
The easiest, quickest way to invite pathology into a social space is to deny, ignore or avoid one of these fundamental forces.
Be good to each other.
Upcoming public offerings –>>
August 3rd – I am doing a pre-conference workshop “The Art of Leadership” with the lovely and talented Doug Shaw at the Illinois SHRM Conference.
August 5th – I am doing a pre-conference workshop “Culture Builder Bootcamp: The What, Why and How of Building an Inclusive Organizational Culture,” at the Missouri SHRM Conference.
September 2nd – FORWARD! St. Paul: Diversity and Inclusion Workshop with a Bias for Action
September 3rd – FORWARD! Minneapolis: Diversity and Inclusion Workshop with a Bias for Action
FORWARD! is a new and highly actionable 1/2 workshop, ping me if you are interested in bringing this workshop into your organization of if you would like to help bring it to your community.
September 17th – I will be delivering one of the keynote messages for the Kansas SHRM Conference.
See you when I see you.