Diversity at Work: The Practice of Inclusion

CHAPTER TWENTY

Inclusion as a Transformational Diversity and Business Strategy

Michael L. Wheeler

“You are asking people to do what is not natural,” an executive once said to me. He was right, in part. He was referring to inclusion. What he was really talking about, though, was inclusion across differences. Inclusion—being included, including others, valuing and respecting, engaging, fully contributing—comes easily for those who perceive themselves as similar, like-minded, and sharing values, perspectives, and experiences. But across differences, inclusion indeed requires attention, intention, and practice.

As a corporate diversity leader, I approach my work with this dilemma in mind—that as desirable as it is to be included, and as important ...