The San Diego Union Tribune.
The start of a new year is the traditional time to take stock of our lives and resolve to better ourselves. We asked some local leaders to suggest resolutions for our community. Here are their responses.
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Dwayne Crenshaw, CEO and co-founder of RISE San Diego
“Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” —Vernā Myers, national expert on diversity and inclusion
More than ever, it’s urgent San Diegans come together. Our county’s election results suggest we’re closer together than other American regions. But there are certainly more steps we can take together with intentionality to increase the quality and depth of relationships among San Diego’s diverse population. I believe we get there through a determined focus on inclusion. So, I offer San Diego a resolution: to commit to learn and practice inclusive leadership. The capacity for which is within all of us.
Inclusion waltzes well beyond diversity. It’s likely a vast supermajority of San Diegans conceptually embrace diversity. Unfortunately, the diversity concept has simply become a celebration of Black History or International Women’s Month; Cesar Chavez or Harvey Milk Day; donating to or volunteering with a charitable organization; or, going to that cultural event or annual training. Diversity has become a numbers game; inclusion is about quality — the beautiful choreography of relationships.
Inclusive leadership invites us to a richer rhythm of social interaction. It’s beyond counting heads, respecting differences, discovering commonalities or not being offensive. Inclusion is a fusion of all these things and more. Two quick tips to get you started: “lead with love” and not from a place of authority, position, title or privilege. “listen to understand” and not respond, make a point, or win an argument. Let’s resolve to be inclusive leaders in our workplaces, churches, schools, neighborhoods — everywhere. We all can do this. It’s a New Year, San Diego, so let’s dance!