Episode 550: Challenge Accepted – Inclusion
Let’s Talk About Being Intentionally Welcoming
Summary:
Petrina's talk focused on the importance of inclusion, sharing personal stories involving her son to illustrate her points. She emphasized that true inclusion requires effort, respect, and a willingness to welcome and get to know people who may be different. Petrina encouraged listeners to accept the challenge of being inclusive and to share these messages with others.
Notes:
When I think of inclusion, I have many scenarios that come to mind. But two are of my oldest son when he was in elementary school. On the first day of kindergarten, he was cautious but ready to go. He knew kindergarten was a big deal and he was ready for it.
As the parents were dropping of their children, he notices a little boy who was crying and not so sure about his new surroundings. My son walked right up to him, out his arm
around him and to told him it was going to be ‘OK.’ This helped the other child calm down because he had someone else that would be with him. They remained friends through elementary school.
The following year during a parent teach conference, the teacher warned me that my son had friendships with two different children who did not get along with one another and my son was spending time trying to help them get
along and keep the peace. The kicker was that teacher felt neither of the other children were an educational or social match for my son and that my son would be better off associating with other high achievers in the class. I thanked the teacher for the insight. Inside I was proud of my son for attempting to be inclusive instead of elitist.
It’s easy to include people that look and think like us. It’s easy to dismiss those who don’t seem to be able to get on board. However, being inclusive demands a bit more effort. Being inclusive means we make the effort to invite and be welcoming. Being inclusive means we get to know others and allow them to get to know us. Bring inclusive doesn’t require we agree on everything, but it does require we demonstrate respect. Inclusion is not
someone else’s responsibility, it is the responsibility of each of us. So, when you have the opportunity to act upon the opportunity to be inclusive, I encourage you to accept the challenge of being inclusive.
Do You Have a Couple of Minutes - Inspiring Topics to Help You Think, Learn, Grow, and Live Fulfilled
Book Publications:
Leading Self, Leading Others – 20 Inspiring Topics for Personal and Team Leadership and Professional Growth – available on Amazon and Kindle
LiftOff to Landing – Revealing Stories of Strangers in Flight – Flight 2023 – available on Amazon, Kindle and Audible
https://www.amazon.com/author/petrinagooch
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