Fuzzy Inclusion

I like this post from brain guru Dr. Ellen Weber called, 5 Inclusion Tactics Most Workplaces Lack. There is an underlying theme to all of these missing tactics. And it's the same theme that distinguishes between directing people and enrolling people. Here's the distinction:

Control.

Do you think you have it?
Are you trying to use control to persuade?
Are you trying to empower (renting out a wee bit of control) versus engage in genuine partnership?

Real inclusion comes from a genuine interest in and desire for input and partnership. You have to let go of traditional notions of control to create a highly inclusive workplace. Otherwise it's just fuzzy inclusion and a buzzword.

I am a recovering control freak, so I understand the comfort that some of you might feel when you take charge of everything. But here's something that should make us all uncomfortable. When we fail to genuinely partner with employees we are risking the company's success (and ours!). The best way to shore up our chances for success is to let go and fuel the flames in everyone's hearts and minds.

Comments

[StephanieWestAllen]

Lisa, your post reminded me of a Peter Block interview linked to here:

http://westallen.typepad.com/idealawg/2007/05/blog_glob_leade.html

He is a bit irreverent but I like what he has to say.

[holly]

What's that saying? You can be in charge but not really in control. I guess control can be an illusion of giving you more freedom...I think you are right as you give it up more control and be inclusive, you'll find more ways to be free. ;)

[Katherine Radeka]

Your post combined with the Peter Block quote above describe why corporate initiatives so often become "flavor of the month." "Empowered" workers are not necessarily engaged workers, especially if the thing they are "empowered" to do comes out of a distant executive planning session instead of addressing the facts on the ground. Partnership isn't just good for the workers - it's good for the business.

[Lisa Haneberg]

Agreed - all round. Lets not turn partnership into another plastic word like empowerment....

[Wally Bock]

Or as one police training sergeant used to tell rookie cops. "The situation has to be controlled and safe, but you don't necessarily need to be the one controlling it."

[Lisa Haneberg]

Yes, control is not a bad thing and best when it is self-control.