Diversity and inclusion: lessons from West Africa

We Not Me

Building a diverse and inclusive culture is a complex challenge, especially in a geographically and culturally diverse environment. It takes a common set of values and behaviours to be established across the organisation, as well as a focus on communication, respect, and empowerment.

But while diversity is invaluable, it doesn’t create equity and inclusion. Creating equity means addressing systemic issues and biases that may affect certain groups more than others. And support for people from less advantaged backgrounds needs to be in place to allow them to thrive.

Sahera Sumar is a leadership consultant who specialises in inclusive leadership and building inclusive cultures. She has worked in both the corporate and non-profit sectors and has a passion for understanding and unpacking leadership in different cultural contexts. She currently works with a steel company located in 10 different countries within Africa, where she focuses on diversity and inclusion and strengthening the leadership capacity of the organisation.

Takeaways from Dan and Pia

• Rather than try and understand the myriad and minute differences between various cultures, stick to a simple code of conduct. “Instead of many rules, have one behaviour.”
• Central to working with people from different backgrounds is appreciation and acceptance. These are two of Sahera’s five As.
• Starting with shared values and behaviours can lead to a long-standing and collaborative team environment.

Links

• Connect with Sahera via LinkedIn
• Diversity in Teams – We Not Me episode 11
• Leave us a voice note