There’s no learning without discomfort.
That phrase feels like a mild understatement as I reflect on three days spent at Henley Business School last week as part of my MSc in Behavioural Change. This was part two of Group Dynamics & Systems Thinking – a rich & challenging mix of topics designed to spark curiosity & provoke deeper enquiry.
The standout for me was our session with Priscila Pereira Law PhD FCIPD, co-founder of the Inclusive Leadership Company, who also happened to be launching her new book ‘Simplifying Inclusive Leadership – Recommendations for Everyday Practice’ with Professor Rebecca Jones last week.
Why did it resonate so strongly?
Like many of you, I have participated in numerous training sessions, webinars, & discussions on inclusive leadership in recent years. Many have challenged & supported my desire to be better. Fewer have engaged me in the way this session did.
Priscila skilfully guided us through a mix of neuroscience, psychology, & evidence-based research, blending thoughtful discussion with practical application. She held the space with real skill – balancing a lightness of touch with the ability to surface & hold genuine tension & discomfort. That combination was both rare & impressive.
My three biggest reflections (& there were many) were:
- How do I better create the conditions where people belong because they are different not despite being different?
- Me being more inclusive means doing things ‘with’ people, not ‘at’ them.
- Real change comes when I focus on lifting others up, rather than putting others down.
If you are striving to be a more inclusive leader or are responsible for leading inclusion within your team or organisation – I highly recommend buying the book & exploring the resources on their website.
