Reimagine Inclusion

MYTH 2I Always Allow Everyone to Speak in Meetings. Of Course I Am an Inclusive Leader.

“Yes, Greg is absolutely right about his observations. Well done, Greg,” a former boss often said, showering our colleague Greg with praise when he chimed in with his thoughts.

One of my former bosses had this inclusive practice: Whenever a topic was being debated, a proposal being presented, he would invite everyone to speak. But with this invitation, there was no passing or abstaining; everyone was required to say something. He would first go around and start with those who were virtual. We all knew this was going to happen at every team meeting; we each scrambled on what we would say and how to say it. Best‐case scenario and what frequently would happen: He would compliment and applaud Greg, even if what Greg said didn't make much sense. Greg was also one of the only men on our team. And our boss would then usually ignore and not acknowledge what anyone else said. Worst‐case, he wouldn't just publicly disagree with what one of us said but make comments that undermined and mocked our contributions. “Mita, seems like you need a refresher on the principals of organizational development. But that's okay, we know you are not a real Human Resources professional anyway.”

That year, when management asked our team to pilot and attend an overpriced, company‐endorsed workshop on how to be an inclusive leader, my former boss smirked in response. “I always allow everyone to speak in meetings. Of course ...