Putting Our Differences to Work

INCLUSION: The Power in an Hour

2008-07-08T21:00:38-07:00

From the time I started writing my new book, I wanted to create the opportunity for readers and believers in this mission to have a place to tell stories, to share experiences, to problem-solve, and most of all, to experience and practice the art of putting our differences to work --- consciously --- first-hand.

Today, I held my first in an ongoing series of Putting Our Differences to Work DIALOGUES. These one-hour conversations, held at my online Center for Dialogue at the Global Dialogue Center Conference Center, are designed for sharing your perspectives and discussing your issues, in a small, intimate virtual setting. Learn more and sign-up.

It was a small gathering, representing many differences. With just five of us, we represented different geographic perspectives: Canada, Germany, China, East Coast and West Coast United States. We also reflected the lives of corporate project manager, graduate student, writer, entrepreneur, and consultant --- and many other dimensions of difference.

In just one hour, we got a glimpse into who we are, where we had lived and worked, and shared thoughtful perspectives with one another on the topic of INCLUSION --- giving each of us something to take home. Here is a summary of some of the themes:

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE INCLUDED?

Having a sense of belonging.
Having access to all of the "gifts" of life.
Belonging in a way that taps into the soul of who you are.
Inclusion is both an environment you create and an attitude you carry with you.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO CREATE A "CULTURE OF INCLUSION" WHEREVER WE GO?
Two themes from the group about their personal practices... (paraphrased)

Cultivate non-judgmental listening. "I found this worked as I transitioned from a Corporate career to my own business. The big challenge was learning self-management. Learning to listen has helped invite customers in the process. I discovered I didn't have to be the one talking all the time."
Purposeful listening and also broadening your awareness of the diversity of others. "I ask myself how can you lend a voice to help bring others into the process."
Listening and showing respect are important --- but involvement matters too. "We need to go beyond listening and respect. We have take time to learn enough about each other, so we can see the value and help each other get involved."

LEADERSHIP FOR INCLUSION IS EVERYONE's JOB
As we continue to realize the implications of the changes in the landscape of leadership being as local as sitting at our desks and as collaborative as time, distance, difference and technology can take us, we all recognized that INCLUSION is not optional. Diversity is the reality of our world today and INCLUSION is the essential ingredient that "fuels" the best in all of us. It enables and accelerates the generation of new ideas, innovation, change, and growth. You can have all the diversity you want, but without a welcoming culture of inclusion for us all to grow and contribute, diversity can create chaos as we witness all around the world.

We agreed that we can't afford to have anyone opt-out from assuming the role of being leader of inclusion. With all the change that is needed in our organizations, corporations, communities, and the world, we have to recognize what Nelson Mandela reminded us in his book, Long Walk to Freedom: "With freedom comes responsibility." We all own making INCLUSION on every level part of our collective consciousness.

REFLECTIONS ON AN HOUR WELL-SPENT
Before we left our time together, we all shared one thought in reflection about the value of showing up for a conversation with new found friends different than us.

I am leaving with a sense of possibility...
I have conversations like this in my day-to-day work, but it was inspiring to learn from others from diverse places and careers, outside my work, discovering they too have passion about the idea of inclusion and putting our differences to work. I feel hopeful.
Fabulous conference. ...I am very uplifted with the like minds who attended. One by one we will make differences work.
I learned a lot from listening to others; I like to share stories and find it very inspiring to hear others.

What thoughts do you have on the topic of INCLUSION to add to these?

The next Putting Our Differences to Work Dialogue is Tuesday, August 12. Learn more...

Hope you can join us!

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

new book!
Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership and High Performance
by Debbe Kennedy ▪ Berrett-Koehler ▪ June 2008 – Hardcover
ORDER a copy at AMAZON.COM

Also available in DIGITAL DOWNLOAD at Berrett-Koehler

Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future

The Risk of Reach

2008-06-14T23:33:31-07:00

There is a picture of my dad just across the room. He was in his 30s.
It is a serious picture...not quite a smile rests on his face.
But in his eyes there is a bright, hopeful glint of a visionary man.
A man with deep beliefs...a man of courage.
He seems to look into me sometimes.
When I dream...
When I struggle...
When I hope for more...
When I pray...
When I am deeply touched...
He seems to be quietly whispering, "I know."

Among his treasures was a book of Peter Marshall's sermons, the famed Scottish minister with a vibrant message from another time. At one time he was the Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. I kept this book and today, I opened it to The Risk of Reach. Interestingly, it speaks about one's purpose. Hmmmm! Timely for us all. These were a few gems that seemed to jump out at me.

The Risk of Reach
"You were put here for a purpose, and that purpose is not related to superficial pleasures.

The time for drifting
or sleeping
or wishful thinking
or daydreaming is over.
The state of our world today make that a very dangerous pastime.

This generation and all of you who are sensitive to what is going on around you,
are called to a supreme adventure.
There is a great stirring in society.
The upheavals of life and the revolutions of multitudes across the world in desperate motion are indications that our world can never be the same again.

...So do not ever underestimate what you can do.
You have the courage to cast off your acrophobia and
to dream big and to aim high...

Give us the long view in our work and our world ...
for [the good of others] ...for the peace of the world."

What contribution will you make in thought, word and deed?

I leave you once again pondering this myself, promising to step forward today.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future

YOU'RE INVITED...
Join me for online live conversation to discuss your organizational issues at my
Putting Our Differences to Work CENTER FOR DIALOGUE

Mutualism: Learning from an Unusual Teacher

2008-06-04T19:00:00-07:00

I ran across a story I wrote down a while back. At the time, my heart was heavy over the loss of life in the Iraq War. "We don't talk about much with friends anymore --- it's a pretty dark and shameful reality most people want to ignore," I wrote.

"It is interesting how the we so easily point our fingers at others who kill, but the major collateral deaths we cause are not even acknowledged." I went on to tell a moving story that came out of Nairobi, Kenya --- a story about mutualistic love. In my book, Putting Our Differences to Work, one of the qualities of leadership I discuss is "Making Mutualism the final arbiter." Imagine a dog being a role model:

NAIROBI, Kenya - Witnesses say a dog with puppies saved the life of an abandoned newborn baby in Kenya. They say the dog found the child wrapped in a plastic bag in the forest near the capital of Nairobi. It then carried her across a busy road and through a barbed wire fence before dropping the baby among its litter of puppies. The baby is now in good condition in the hospital. Doctors say the dog didn't hurt the baby because it used the plastic bag to carry her. Associated Press.
Click on the picture to see bigger image.

WAS THIS MUTUALISM?
When I forwarded the story to a friend who has studied mutualism, he wrote: "It's a beautiful story, but I am not sure it is mutualism. We know the baby benefited, but how did the dog benefit? This could be pure altruism instead." Hmmmm! This made me think. Then I responded:

I wonder if mutualism is more of a complex system of goodness? The baby provided body heat to help keep the dog's puppies warm while it searched for food and also helped the dog fulfill its Divine Purpose of saving the life, which provided us all with a valuable lesson and example with which to examine our own behavior. The dog was the bridge that connected the baby to life and the world. Everyone benefited from this interconnection and no one was harmed. This is mutualism at it's best, yes?

What do you think?
What lessons do you see in this story that we could take away?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

new book!
Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership and High Performance
by Debbe Kennedy ▪ Berrett-Koehler ▪ June 1, 2008 – Hardcover
PRE-ORDER a copy at AMAZON.COM

Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future

YOU'RE INVITED...
Join me for online live conversation to discuss your organizational issues at my
Putting Our Differences to Work CENTER FOR DIALOGUE

EXCELLENCE: Differences Create It!

2008-05-25T09:39:52-07:00

Putting our differences to work has unlimited possibilities. It is at the intersection of all that distinguishes us that we find new levels of innovation, excellence, and contribution. You've been there, haven't you? Do you remember the grand experiences when a moment was achieved when collaboration WORKED! When we intertwine the best of the best in each of us, we see how much we can accomplish together --- achievements not possible without our individual differences.

Consider this example...
When something is done well, one need only soak it in and enjoy pure excellence. One need not know anything about the art form because the performance transcends knowledge.

In this example of putting our differences to work, you need not know anything about horses to appreciate greatness and the joy of dancing your best dance!

http://beboframe.com/FlashFrame.jsp?Size=S&FlashBoxId=3309347442

Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired.

What distinguishing qualities about you might be matched with qualities with others to achieve new levels of excellence?

Watch for the opportunities!

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future

YOU'RE INVITED...
Join me for online live conversation to discuss your organizational issues at my
Putting Our Differences to Work CENTER FOR DIALOGUE

WISDOM: Connecting Across Time and Difference

2008-04-27T21:35:47-07:00

Sometimes I think we all take so much for granted. Our busy lives keep us from recognizing one another in any real meaningful way -- and from taking time to learn from one another's wisdom. Sages and thought-leaders, past and present, give us clues that all of life across time is connected -- there is a different bent to our pressing problems in different eras of time, but there is also a sameness about our struggles and also our potential. Wisdom comes from unique perspectives and many dimensions of difference. It challenges us to see our important call to contribute to our organizations, community, and our world for the good of all.

I was again reminded of this today. Among my father's treasures after he died, I found a book of sermons from Peter Marshall, former Chaplain to the U.S. Senate back in the 1940s. Peter Marshall's wisdom reads with an amazing familiarity to where we are today:

"...The time for drifting or sleeping or wishful thinking or daydreaming is over. The state of our world today makes this pastime. This generation of young people and all of you who are sensitive to what is going on around you, are called to a supreme adventure.

There is a great stirring in society. The upheavals of life and the revolutions of multitudes across the world in desperate motion are indications that our world can never be the same again. So don't ever underestimate what you can do. You have the courage to cast off your acrophobia [fear of open space] and to dream big and to aim high..."

How do we tap into the wisdom that connects us across time and distance?
How do we begin a meaningful conversation and allow it to move us into action?

Dr. Alex Pattakos, author of Prisoners of Our Thoughts, shared this perspective in a recent writing on his blog: "...authentic dialogue enables individuals to acknowledge that they each are part of a greater whole, that they naturally resonate with others within this whole, and that the whole is, indeed, greater than the sum of its various parts. ...One must be open and willing to entertain a diversity of thought and discover a common ground by going to a higher ground. And, to be sure, this is extremely difficult, if not seemingly impossible, for most of us to do, especially when the “stakes” are high."

What messages do you hear across time and difference calling us from your perspective in the world?

Best...

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

new book!
Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership and High Performance
by Debbe Kennedy ▪ Berrett-Koehler ▪ May 2008 – Hardcover
PRE-ORDER a copy at AMAZON.COM

Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future

YOU'RE INVITED...
Join me for online live conversation to discuss your organizational issues at my
Putting Our Differences to Work CENTER FOR DIALOGUE

LEADERSHIP: The Power of Building Trust

2008-04-13T21:08:36-07:00

One of my leadership role models in the distance is Kazuo Inamori, founder and chairman emeritus of Kyocera Corporation in Japan. In one of his book, For People and For Profit: A Business Philosophy for the 21st Century, he wrote about what he called "elevating your mental dimension." His belief and example align with the Five Distinctive Qualities of Leadership I introduce in my book, Putting Our Differences to Work, especially those about people, personal responsibility, and striving to live by the value of mutualism. He wrote:

"When Kyocera was first started, we had neither money nor equipment. In the midst of this I determined to base my management of the company on the human spirit. The human spirit is changeable, but once bound by trust, there is no stronger bond in the world. By feeling mutual trust while working alongside our colleagues, we can overcome any difficulty.

I worked hard to be a leader my employees could depend on. In order that my employees and I could become trusted friends, at every opportunity I got I said I wanted them to lift up their hearts a little. In this way, the entire company staff, including myself, worked hard to elevate our mental dimension, and I believe that our complete involvement in our work brought about success of the Kyocera group."

In recent years, we have lost this kind of consciousness in many businesses and organizations. It will be essential for leaders of the future to incorporate the human dimension of leadership into their primary portfolio of leadership skills.

How do yours stack up?

YOU'RE INVITED...
Join me for online live conversation to discuss your organizational issues at my
Putting Our Differences to Work DIALOGUE CENTER.

Best...

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future

RIGHT NOW: What can we all do!

2008-03-23T14:23:10-07:00

This time of year always brings me to thoughts of renewal. It invites us to re-evaluate and take stock in the greater possibilities that come with us coming together as people with a resolute conviction to use the best of individual leadership and unique differences to influence some positive contribution in our world.

The Very Reverend Alan Jones, Dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, a well-known sanctuary for civic dialogue with doors open to all traditions, shared these options in a recent message that transcend society and business. He wrote, "There are three things that all people of goodwill can do:

Bond together in gratitude before the gift of life on this planet,
unite in service of humankind and this generous host of an earth, and
move wondrously and amicably into the future with hope.

He affirms this message is an inclusive one as he affirms these to-dos with an excerpt from poet Adrienne Rich:

"I have to cast my lot with those who age after age, perversely, with
no extraordinary power, reconstitute the world."

What I've always loved about Dean Alan Jones perspective is how he draws us all together. In my book, Putting Our Differences to Work, he shares a personal story. He offers,

"... Each of us matters, and each of us is here to make a difference in the world. In the not-for-profit sector of society, particularly the church, we work to help people learn to accept themselves. Perhaps this work is not so different in a business, school, or community. On some level, we are all trying to help people learn to trust in themselves enough to serve others in some important way.

Diversity and inclusion are about the solidarity of the human experience where everyone has a unique place in what I call the divine ecology. No one is dispensable. What would it take to challenge and overcome our sexism, our racism, our homophobia, and our biases against newcomers toward those who don’t speak our language? There is a lot of talk about family values—a good thing, depending on how generous one’s vision is of this family. From my faith perspective, there is but one human family. We are all in a community where everyone—without exception—is respected. The message is, You are invited to participate, whoever you are. You matter and can make a difference in the world around you."

What contribution will you make?

What's your point of view?

Best...

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future

LEADERSHIP LESSON: The Best in People

2008-03-14T20:10:16-07:00

There has been a quite a debate in recent months about the value of a leader's ability to inspire and the skill of bringing the best out in people --- guiding the individual to find within himself or herself the gifts to contribute that resided there all along. Why are these such important qualities in a leader?

I was cleaning out a cabinet and I found a story about George Washington that I had tucked away a long time ago. Unfortunately, it came to me without notation of its origin. There must have been something that touched me even then, long before I was focused on the art of putting our differences to work. The story clearly demonstrates the usefulness of these inspiring, insightful qualities. President Washington shows by his example what it means to see and ignite the best in people:

"Washington had a talent for bringing powerful, conflicting points of view into harmony. For example, such opposing characters as Jefferson and Hamilton could have split the nation into pieces, but realizing how badly the country needed both men, Washington labored successfully for cooperation and peace. Adopting Hamilton's fiscal policies, the President was able to place the federal government on a sound footing. And Jefferson's tremendous reasoning, writing and speaking talents were equally useful in helping to shape the infant government."

I re-read this story the other day and it has stayed with me since. I've realized as I've taken in its lesson that at this time in history, we are seeing new signs of a new generation of leadership blossoming in a way that demonstrates these qualities in action. What is notable isn't that the qualities of the individual shine. It is that when these qualities in a leader are present and connected to others, everyone shines.

In a moment of synchronicity, someone sent me a longer version of the Black Eyed Peas "Yes We Can" Obama Song than I had seen before. As I watched it again, it struck me that the Light came through not from one individual's call to action, but from the dimensions of differences inspired enough to sing their own note in response. Click HERE to watch.

Regardless of your political affiliation, the images of us feeling a sense of power in our own contributions makes my heart feel good inside. It lifts one up to see a new set of possibilities that rest in our hands.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com

http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com

Changing from Within...

2008-03-02T22:52:14-08:00

I admit that I have to stop now and then and remind myself that it isn't my role to take on the world. At the same time, I do feel a sense of responsibility to do my part. Don't you? This truth always leads me to a kind of perpetual self-examination. However, I recognize that I'm never alone. The great sages, scholars, and doers passed on knowledge of this great need:

Plato proclaimed, "A life unexamined is not worth living."

Lao Tzu also urged us to spend time in reflection. "Turn inward and digest what has happened."

Gandhi told us that real education comes from continually "drawing the best out of yourself."

These insights have led me to believe that self-assessment is a perpetual call-to-action to be keenly aware----always listening, thinking, reviewing, evaluating, interpreting, discerning, deciding, being---reaching toward a stronger understanding of our own values and intended purpose---discovering a deeper sense of meaning in our lives each time.

Changing from within...
Start with questions.
Be grateful for the strengths you find.
And for the honesty in the weaknesses you identify.
Be truthful about what is standing in the way.
Re-set you direction.
Walk boldly!
Repeat these steps often.

How are you doing your part? I'd like to know.

IMAGINE what we can do together! 1+1+1+1

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com

http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com

Competencies + QUALITIES for Leaders

2008-02-22T21:35:54-08:00

Peter F. Drucker, known as the father of modern management, left a lasting influence on how I developed as a leader. In Putting Our Differences to Work, I share how I always loved his straight way of talking. I saw him once look out at an audience of many hundreds of people, all clinging to each word he spoke. He gave us a message I've never forgotton --- 8 simple words to last a lifetime:

"Make your contribution. Everything else is a diversion."
-- Peter F. Drucker

He also was very clear on the Four Competencies that he thought every leader needed:

1. The willingness, ability and self-discipline to LISTEN . "Listening is not a skill; it is a discipline. Anybody can do it. All you have to do is to keep your mouth shut."

2. The willingness to COMMUNICATE, to make yourself understood.

3. RE-ENGINEERING MISTAKES. Being able to say, "This doesn't work as well as it should. Let's take it back and re-engineer it."

4. The willingness to realize HOW UNIMPORTANT YOU ARE compared to the task. "Leaders subordinate themselves to the task."

He reminded us about how great leaders see their role, "When effective leaders have the capacity to maintain their personality and individuality, even though they are totally dedicated, the task will go on after them. ...Otherwise they do things for personal aggrandizement, in the belief that this furthers the cause. They become self-centered and vain."

These four competencies are timeless. Using them as your "yardstick" for self-assessment and ongoing renewal is a great idea. Ask yourself often --- perhaps at the end of each week --- How did I do this week LISTENING, COMMUNICATING, RE-ENGINEERING MISTAKES and SUBORDINATING my ego to the task at hand.
(Source: Managing the Non-Profit Organization)

I think today our organizations and the world are asking us to strengthen these competencies with still a new level of thinking and questioning, as well as developing a new set of distinctive qualities that will help us effectively work across the differences that define our distributed and global workplaces, marketplaces and world. In my book, Putting Our Differences to Work, I define five qualities that challenge new thinking and action. Here is a summary:

Makes diversity an organizational priority. This quality reaches beyond “putting our differences aside,” “see what we have in common” --- it values these truths, plus values of the differences too.
Gets to know people and their differences.
This quality expands our thinking to see the many dimensions of diversity in a new light; developing a curiosity and knowledge of others.
Enables rich communication. This quality defies the notion of unilateral streams of thought; it opens the way to go way beyond two-way communication of the past with openness.
Holds personal responsibility as a core value. This quality challenges us to change the mindset that travels with us; inspiring others to do the same by our example.
Establishes mutualism as the final arbiter. This quality adds a new guide for decisions, problem-solving, products, services and profit-making --- everyone benefits; no one is harmed.

How do your competencies and qualities stack up?

What skills and attributes have been more beneficial to you as a leader?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

new book!
Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership and High Performance
by Debbe Kennedy ▪ Berrett-Koehler ▪ Spring 2008 – Hardcover
PRE-ORDER a copy at AMAZON.COM

Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future