Living Inclusivity beyond 'being asked to dance' ?1?

Actionable insights from a dance amateur on an inclusivity mission

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected and globalized, diversity emerges as a natural facet of our everyday experiences, bringing both excitement and opportunity alongside challenges in fostering genuine understanding and inclusivity.

Embracing diversity is akin to the varied dance forms I love and engage—Bulgarian folk, Spanish flamenco, Argentine tango, or Latin salsa—each unique in rhythm, expression and emotional vibe, yet sharing a common thread: they foster harmony within ourselves and with others, mirroring the balance we strive for in our interconnected world.

This harmony forms the foundation of living inclusivity daily. How?

Verna Myers, a leading diversity and inclusion expert, said that "Diversity is being invited to the party, Inclusion is being asked to dance." While the dance metaphor is brilliant, the act of being invited to dance alone doesn't capture the entire narrative of living inclusivity - the harmony between the authentic self and others. My personal dancing experiences and actionable insights introduce the enhanced empowering story, reflected also in the header visual.

?Insight-to-Action 1? Not 'being asked to dance' invites you to act differently: Be the one inviting!

Attending dance parties offers an excellent chance to enjoy and refine my skills in dancing in a wonderfully diverse setting. From novices to experts, spanning various ages and backgrounds, people hit the dance floor, fostering a vibrant atmosphere.

One obstacle to joy might arise however: will I be asked to dance?

A few times, I have been to salsa parties where at the beginning I wasn't invited to dance much. Standing on the sidelines, plagued by negative self-talk like "Why not me?" was my first unconscious reaction, leading to heartache amidst the joyful crowd. What do I do then? My strong desire to dance reminded me to seize the moment and create my own dance floor by inviting dance leaders. At first, asking someone to dance feels strange as I walk over and extend my hand, with the possibility of being turned down. But my love and eagerness for dancing helps me to keep going, eventually sharing joy and harmony.

Even more, not being invited to dance has turned into a gift as I started observing others dancing and noticing intriguing patterns:

• At social events, people seem to spend most time with and extend dance invitations to those they know, resulting in a preference for familiarity—a typical human response ingrained in our brains. Our hesitation towards the unknown stems from our primal need for safety and stability. So, our appearance and (inter)actions communicate our identity, influencing who reaches out to us, implying that (not) being invited may reflect others' preferences as much as our own qualities.
• While observing, I admired the skills of diverse dance leaders, fueling my desire to learn and explore new styles. This motivated me to invite those who showcased extraordinary or exotic dance moves, which brought me to new heights in dancing. All of a sudden, I found myself making choices in whom to invite rather than passively waiting to be chosen. It was a significant shift in both mindset and behavior, and it felt empowering!

How do these dance experiences translate to living inclusivity?

Simply put, they reflect our ability to take initiative and pursue what we desire, regardless of societal norms or expectations. Just as I took the lead on the dance floor, we can all invite the people we want into our lives and go after the things we wish for. This includes speaking up for ourselves, advocating for our and others' growth by reaching out to role models and leaders, addressing biases and actively creating environments where everyone feels valued and included. It's about embracing authenticity, taking risks, and championing diversity in all aspects of life. Getting "No" or failing is not the end but just a step in our unique 'dance' journey while we keep moving, instead of passively waiting, blaming and hesitating that hinder our progress.

Even if (it feels) overlooked, for example for a promotion, seek growth opportunities within or beyond the current organization, such as tackling challenging projects or seeking mentorship. When joining a new workplace, be the one inviting colleagues for a get-to-know walk or lunch.

Being new or different is not an obstacle but an invite to discover and enhance the place you are in. Remember, you are the leader shaping your own success and paving the way of inclusivity to others.

Get into an action as an inclusive 'dance' leader today

• Whom do you wish to approach today to initiate a conversation about your inclusive career goals?
• How can you leverage or expand your network to explore new opportunities in diverse settings?
• What steps can you take to enhance your skills at work, life and in fostering inclusivity?

Dive into ?Insight-to-Action 2? Follow your inner guide and dance solo

Curious to hear your diverse view on this enhanced narrative for living inclusivity.

If you found this insight-to-action valuable to start living inclusivity today, please spread the wave of empowerment by sharing this article with others!