Striving for inclusivity while maintaining respect for established norms can feel like walking a tightrope, but it is doable. Start by identifying which norms are truly foundational and which ones may need a refresh. Respect the core traditions that define your team’s identity, but do not be afraid to challenge outdated practices that might hinder inclusivity. Create an open space where people can voice concerns or suggest new ideas without feeling like they are stepping on tradition. Inclusivity and respect for norms are not opposites; they can complement each other when approached with balance and openness.

Inclusivity for me is about expanding boundaries. If the established norms make the boundaries overly rigid , create silos of diversification, and prevent the fluidity of open exchange - this is the time when they should be challenged.

Striving for inclusivity while maintaining respect for established norms requires a balanced approach. Start by acknowledging and honoring the traditions and practices that have contributed to your team’s success, but remain open to evolving them as needed. Encourage open discussions where team members can express their perspectives on how inclusivity can coexist with existing norms. Foster an environment of mutual respect, where new ideas are welcomed and differences are celebrated, but also ensure that changes are introduced gradually to avoid disrupting the team's cohesion. By integrating inclusivity thoughtfully and collaboratively, you can enhance your team’s culture while preserving its core values.

At the organisation level, DEI policies must align with the core ethical values of the organisation. Inclusivity would need to be defined and practised with an understanding of the extent of diversity of the organisation. and what fairness and equity principles are for such practices. This also varies with geographic locations in the case of global organisations in their local operations. For instance, a North American company operating in Saudi Arabia would need to conform to local regulations, whether part of DEI policy or not. While not as stark, having worked in multiple cultures, practices may clash with established norms. Simplistically, corporate cultural norms may be generic and DEI practices may need to be local and observed.

To strive for inclusivity while maintaining respect for established norms, create a balance where new ideas and diverse perspectives are integrated without disregarding existing practices. Encourage open dialogue where team members can discuss how inclusivity can enhance the team’s current ways of working, respecting traditions while evolving. For example, if your team has a long-standing practice of weekly meetings, introduce a more inclusive approach by rotating who leads the meeting or inviting team members to share insights from different cultural or professional backgrounds. This honors the tradition of regular meetings while fostering a more inclusive environment.

On a day-to-day basis it's all about considering why you do something the way you do, could you achieve the intended outcome by doing it differently or adapt it to ensure people feel included. I think people overcomplicate this, let's say: People are turning up late for your 9.00am team meeting, you realise that more team members have school runs than before - you can still have your team meetings but maybe you now have them at 9.30am. or You've always had pizza Fridays and there has been less uptake, you find out that some people are gluten intolerant, others are watching their waistline, someone has diabetes. You can still have the Friday get together but mix up the food options. Remember the intention and adapt to include everyone.

I led teams at a huge firm where most senior people had a lot of tenure. Getting people to shift from old ways was really challenging. It was often helpful to pitch new ideas as experiments instead of permanent change. If we wanted to do something that was different from established norms, I encouraged my team to devise a way to try it, learn from it, iterate and improve it over a specific period of time. It's easy for people to argue with change. It's hard to argue with performing an experiment to see if something is more effective. It's easier to get people on board when you openly tell them that if it doesn't work, we will change it or go back to the old way.

Na minha experiência, equilibrar inclusão com respeito às normas estabelecidas requer uma abordagem colaborativa e flexível. Discutir abertamente o propósito das práticas existentes é fundamental para identificar quais normas ainda apoiam uma dinâmica saudável e quais precisam ser adaptadas. Isso permite envolver toda a equipe no processo de atualização, garantindo que as novas perspectivas sejam incorporadas sem comprometer a estrutura estabelecida. Revisar regularmente essas políticas também é essencial para que elas evoluam conforme as necessidades da equipe, mantendo o ambiente inclusivo e respeitoso. O equilíbrio está em honrar as tradições enquanto se abre espaço para inovação.

Striving for inclusivity while maintaining respect for established norms requires a balanced approach that embraces diversity without undermining the values that hold the team together. Begin by identifying which norms are essential to the team's cohesion and success, such as mutual respect, accountability, and effective communication. Ensure that these core principles remain intact while fostering an environment where new perspectives and practices are welcomed. Encourage open dialogue where team members can express their cultural, professional, and personal values, ensuring that this exchange happens in a respectful and non-judgmental manner.