“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.”
Arnold Palmer (1929 – 2016).
When I heard the news of Arnold Palmer’s passing I stopped what I was doing and switched on the Golf Channel. I spent the rest of the evening listening to people share feelings and memories about the loss of one of golf’s greats.
When I read this quote I was reminded, not for the first time, of the parallels between playing 18 holes of golf and the complexity of creating an inclusive environment.
What if we take inclusion for granted and assume it is easy to accomplish when in reality it is endlessly complicated.
To overcome a poor golf shot you need a better understanding of the geometry of the golf swing and need to go back to basics. You need to learn about all of the factors that influence your swing – the clubs, the angles of approach, the ability to hit a hook or a slice, the impact of the wind and the speed of the greens, just to mention a few.
When it comes to creating an inclusive environment it is also important to unpack what I call the “Geometry of Inclusion”. You need to learn about each diverse group and about the Degrees of Difference within each group. In addition, understanding what immutable and permeable forces might be at play would improve your ability to be inclusive.
Hitting the perfect shot in golf involves many complex variables and so does creating an inclusive work environment.
If you would like to learn more check out my latest book “The Illusion of Inclusion”. Available on Amazon