Embracing Difference to Thrive, not Survive

Our reptilian brains were wired to spot danger so we could survive.

Early humans were hunter-gatherers living in small groups or tribes. The animals they hunted were dangerous, weather could kill them, sickness was a threat, and other groups of homo sapiens were often menacing. Our brains evolved to spot patterns and differences, particularly in other humans who were not part of our tribe.

How has this informed your leadership?

Are you able to override this default?  Do you yield to our early hard-wiring?  Or do you find you do some of both?

If we’re honest, we know this takes work.

We naturally note skin color, accent, gender, dress, hair, facial features, and size.  And we can sometimes differentiate faith, education, where people are from, and, of course, their political views.  It’s especially important for leaders to avoid making snap judgments about others based on personal attributes.

It takes a fair amount of courage to engage with those different than us.

We wonder if it is safe to be with them, whether we will be rejected, ignored, or worse, harmed in some way. Giving into these fears can freeze us within a bubble of sameness and safety. And, like food kept past its expiration date, we can get pretty stale.

Learning about differences helps us stay fresh.

When we open our hearts and minds, we grow.  We learn that those we used to see as different, and maybe even scary, are more like us than we could imagine. We expand our view of the world and gain confidence as leaders.  As John Lewis said:

“We may have come here in different ships, but we are all in the same boat now.”

Actively look for connection, not difference. Leaders who accept difference are more curious than judgmental.  They  are seen as genuine when they interact with others.  

By embracing those who are different than themselves,

the best leaders build coalitions, community, and a brighter future for everyone.

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And that’s The Gist of It™ - Ideas to advance dignity, practice humility, and develop leaders of character and integrity.

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Marilyn Gist, PhD