July 1st, 2009
A great deal of my work revolves around issues of diversity and inclusion, and much of that work is about better understanding the raw value of difference and about being more intentional with our behaviors, processes and systems so that we do not waste, overlook or limit the potential and the unique contributions of those already in our organizations and communities. There is still a tremendous amount of work to be done in this area, and I think there are few things we are more wasteful of than the potential that exists in the hearts, souls, aspirations, ideas and relationships of those around us. With all the work that needs to be done regarding understanding and utilizing the real potential of those around us, there is also a flip-side to this work.
In addition to the work regarding the nature of our interactions with others, we each must also be committed to making our own unique contribution. If we believe in the value of difference than we have to add our own difference to the mix.
If there is anything we are more wasteful of than the potential of those around us, it might well be our own potential. Despite our romantic notions of “rugged individualism” and “following your heart” making your own unique contribution is painfully hard and lonely. That is why so few of us actually do it. Truth be told, for organizations, societies, and communities (regardless of what they say), conformity is much simpler…so they reward conformity and punish those that do not quite fit in. To much conformity leads to dysfunction over time, but in the short run it is much, much easier. Popularity and fame and success are generally awarded to those that fit in the best, rather than those that refuse to accept flawed systems.
Even happy, shiny organizations on all the right lists of “best places to work” can grind your individuality out of you. There are some deep and powerful belief systems and assumptions tied to conversations about “cultural fit” and “being a team player.” It is in the very nature of organizations to do this, because it is easier, and it is also a form of cultural self-defense…because if you actually make your unique contribution, the organization will not survive in its current form, but be changed…and status quo, not change is the default orientation for an organization.
There is a very paradoxical dynamic in play here, because your one of a kind, unique contribution is the most valuable thing that you have to offer the organization and it is also the thing that the organization is oriented against. If you are saying something true and valuable to another person, chances are that it will not make sense to them right away…our understanding of things is based on what we already know. New and different can often appear to be strange, bizarre, nonsensical or offensive regardless of actual value.
Call it truth, call it authenticity, call it “keeping it real”, are you owning your gifts? Are you doing what you are on this planet to do?
We are each one of a kind, never before, never again happenings. And that uniqueness is our magic. There is nothing magical about greeing with everyone else…in fact that can quickly become pathology. Even a dead fish can go with the flow.
We should continue to be intentional about creating cultures that are supportive of others being true to their gifts, but we also need to be true to our own gifts. And that can be a lonely road. But big things, important things, things like truth and love and peace and collaboration cannot be captured or lived or realized by sporting the right bumper sticker or shopping at the right store.
These things require that we stand up in the gap between who we claim to be and who we are today…we have to stand there and be awake and alive and aware of that gap and act accordingly.
Tell the truth. Tell your truth. It is what the world needs.
RADIANCE
If ten lamps are in one place,
each differs in form from another,
yet you can’t distinguish whose radiance is whose
when you focus on the light.
In the field of the spirit there is no division;
no individuals exist.
Sweet is the oneness of the friend with his friends.
Catch hold of spirit,
help this headstrong self disintegrate,
that beneath it you may discover unity,
like a buried treasure.
-Rumi
-be good to each other
"We are each one of a kind, never before, never again happenings. And that uniqueness is our magic." Nicely said.