There is an unspoken rule in the workplace: don’t discuss religion or politics.
However, through a simple view of religion, we can learn our greatest lesson about inclusion and how to get it right.
During my time in Bali, I visited a place called Puja Mandala.
This place is truly amazing!
Within feet of each other, five different religious places of worship stand.
A Hindu temple, a grand mosque, a Buddhist temple, and Catholic and protestant church.
What makes this place even more unique is that there are no armed guards or people standing with signs telling you which religion or place of worship is the best.
No matter your background or views you are welcomed in all five places (some just require specific attire out of cultural and religious respect).
I find this to be a true example of inclusion.
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
In the workplace today, inclusion and diversity are talked about way too much and acted on too little.
It’s time to move from aspirations and intent to deliberate practice of inclusion.
You have a responsibility to make inclusion a daily thought, so we can get rid of the word 'inclusion.'
Theodore Melfi
It is absolutely necessary to solve inclusion before you focus on diversity.
Idle inclusion talk devalues what inclusion can accomplish for both the people and the business.
The best way to understand inclusion is to live a life that mirrors inclusion.
Charisse Fontes
For those that say inclusion or diversity is important, I challenge you to come from behind the spreadsheets and go experience a place that is inclusive and diverse.
When our hearts are impacted we can translate impact into something tangible, then take the tangible and put action behind it to birth solutions that will bring lasting change.
The best way to solve the challenges we face in the workplace around inclusion and diversity is to experience it through our humanity.
No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.
Mahatma Gandhi
As a result, your workplace culture will be enriched and empowered with no limits on what can be accomplished.
Humanity First, And Everything Else Will Follow...
Charisse Fontes is the founder of Culture Circle and an Executive + People Ops Advisor to founders and leadership teams.
more about Culture Circle →first published on linkedin, jun 2019_
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