I am obsolete, a fellow professional says, because of gender, skin tone & age. The (non-political) org we aid promotes values & we have similar contractual roles.
Isn't this unacceptable today?
"Vive la difference!" I respond.
Once, over 4 years, I led a team of professionals, comprising 13 nationalities, 7 different languages (3 of these had 2 - 3 different dialects). No homogenizer there and they regularly and consistently performed beyond expectation. I love & respect them still.
Did we get along?
Not always. Complete harmony was not an objective or realistic achievement. The start of our journey included a set of foundations for culture, nationality, language, behavior & generation.
Why?
These helped ground the team in moments of enhanced stress (there were plenty). Over time, they did not need to be spoken.
So?
The foundations were essential to growth and development; real goals & stretch goals need them.
And?
Part of my role was to advocate these foundations.
As a leader, we cannot deny our skin tone or gender; we can but opt, not to fade into fallacy.
Here's a simple integrity test
Look in the mirror every day & ask yourself "Am I the leader I think I am?"
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