Below is a reprint of my article published in the January 2020 issue of the journal, Practicing OD. For decades, organizations in the United States have struggled with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Many reasons account for why we’ve made so little traction with DEI, but one crucial factor has received little attention: workplace culture. Many organizations still operate with cultural … [Read more...] about Shifting Our Focus: Discovering Deep Diversity
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Your life is your message
In the wake of current events rocking our world, the surge of both peaceful protests and violent riots surrounding the deaths of George Floyd and so many others, we may be at a tipping point. It’s a grossly overdue tipping point, and the long-term change that might unfold remains to be seen. I work with several groups, all of which have been experiencing a huge range of emotions: heartache, shock, … [Read more...] about Your life is your message
Listening to the wisdom inside your self
To listen is very hard, because it asks of us so much interior stability that we no longer need to prove ourselves by speeches, arguments, statements or declarations. True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, welcome, and accept. – Henri Nouwen In these first several months of 2020, as we adjust to new routines and face new … [Read more...] about Listening to the wisdom inside your self
Following with compassion
I’m home, like many people, and checking in frequently with family and friends. Some of us are telecommuting, some of us have been laid off. Most of us are getting over the shock of COVID-19 and having life turned upside down in a matter of hours and days, and making sense of our temporary new norm. We’re hoping that “being in this together” will yield the support and aid that so many desperately … [Read more...] about Following with compassion
Accepting people where they are
A personal confession, which comes as no surprise to those who know me well: I’m no good at accepting things. Tough circumstances, rude people, the highway that’s become a parking lot during rush hour – I expend too much energy in fighting things I have no control over. People are the hardest to accept. I was venting to a friend recently, complaining about a ‘problem person.’ In sympathizing with … [Read more...] about Accepting people where they are
Overcoming silent deference
The other day I felt a great wave of relief. I’d spent weeks planning a tough meeting for a client, and, thank goodness, it went well. Strangers came together as stakeholders in a new change management initiative. People laughed, made agreements, and started new relationships. I felt relieved – no, pretty good – as I was collecting notes, markers, and flip charts. Then one of the participants, an … [Read more...] about Overcoming silent deference