Inclusion (HBR Emotional Intelligence Series)

7

Inclusion Starts with Belonging

By DDS Dobson-Smith

Humans are social creatures. We have a deep-seated need to be liked, respected, and accepted by our peers. Sometimes that need is so strong, it drives us to alter our behaviors in exchange for approval. At work, school, and other social institutions, this happens every day. People whose identities don’t conform with the dominant group are often pressured to present disingenuously to “fit in.” Under these circumstances, a sense of belonging is hard to come by.

As an example, let’s say that you work at an organization that hires and creates products representative of predominantly white, straight, cisgender, male, able-bodied, middle-class, and thin men. Let’s say that you have few of these ...