Inclusive Visibility

As a child, I used to think if I slowed down my breathing and my thinking, then maybe I could become invisible. It never worked. Shocking right??

I wanted to be invisible because even though I felt very VISIBLE, I never felt seen.

I was always tall for my age, “a big little girl” as relatives and friends of the family would say. And I was usullay one of a handful of African Americans in a sea of white faces.

People could not NOT see me, but they could easily not include me.?

Even within my family, I somehow felt seen but not included. I wasn’t outgoing and talkative like most of the other family members. (Hence my nickname "Shy.)?

Human beings have a unique need to be connected and included. It’s how our species evolved and has been able to survive.

Unfortunately, society has developed countless barriers to inclusion and connection. Segregated schools and neighborhoods; hiding behind social media; Telecommuting; No need to name them all. We know what they are.

My mission in being a speaker, trainer and coach is to encourage more humans to practice what I am calling Radical Recognition.

Instead of just SEEING the person in the cubicle or Zoom room next to you, or at the party or event you’re attending, how can you make them feel included? How can you Radically Recognize them for all that they are? How can you let them know that you see them SHINE?

I invite you to look around you right now. Or think of the people you’ve interacted with this week or might interact with next week

Is there someone who has a quality you greatly admire but which you never acknowledged in that person?

• Make a point to send them an email or a text and let them know how the quality you observe impacts you and the people around them. Or you can download my templates for my #ISeeYouShyne Cards and print and hand them out.

Is there someone who you’ve seen but don’t really SEE. Practice some Inclusive Visibility.

• Make a point to suggest a 15 minute 1;1. Invite them to lunch, coffee or just stop by their desk and have a chat. (Don’t know what to chat about? Reach out and I will share some ideas)

If you decide to accept my invitation to practice Inclusive Visibility and Radical Recognition, please consider sending me a photo or a note letting me know what you did and and what impact it had OR post it on my LinkedIn or Instagram #ISEEYOUSHYNE (note the spelling)