Letting Humanity In
Inclusive Cultures participant Laura Crean reflects on her learning.
Volatility has dominated the past few years and the challenges keep on piling on top of each other: environmental catastrophes, the cost-of-living crisis, political upheaval, and Covid-19 still doing the rounds (alongside flu and cold viruses). It has been overwhelming. Suffocating even. It is especially hard for anyone with a chronic condition.
Applying for the Clore Inclusive Leadership course was an attempt to carve out time so I had the tools and the knowledge to build a better world. It was a glimmer of hope for me.
- I knew what I wanted to know:
- What does an inclusive governance system look like?
- How might I argue and fight for change?
- What does inclusive leadership mean? (Really).
- What policies should I develop?
And I wanted answers.
I expected the answers to be through a myriad of theories and case studies with the odd provocation and plenty of discussions. I longed for a reading list. I got something far more powerful than prescripted answers to those specific questions. I experienced the power of communing.
We provoked and coached each other to challenge our perceptions and find solutions within ourselves. Unlocking our emotions, our insights and our power. All through sharing our own stories.
The telling of your stories made me think differently.
This programme and the contributions of the speakers and participants took me on a personal journey. I gained friendships that will last a lifetime. I was exposed to ideas that challenged concepts I took for granted.
The most impactful revelation was that I need to create space and slow down to make room for the energy, wonder, and patience needed for change and allow humanity into our cultural organisations.
We need to allow space for humanity and understand that we can resist. This is where inclusive Governance starts.
