I Don’t Know, I Need Help

Creative Leadership and Problem Solving | Online Exercise # 4

Introduction

In this week’s reading Robin J. Ely and David A. Thomas introduced some strategies grounded in rigorous, peer-reviewed research that leaders can apply to facilitate equity, diversity, and inclusivity. In this exercise, we’re going to focus on how we might make cultural differences a resource for learning.

Because the issues we’re thinking through this week are troubling and, often, deeply connected to our personal experiences, everyone will have the option of posting their exercises anonymously. This is intended to promote risk-taking, initiating such conversations can be challenging and we want to foster an environment where people feel safe to think critically about equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

For many, this may be the first time you’ve engaged in such work, so it is perfectly fine if we make some small mistakes or little missteps along the way. Having said that, the instructor will be able to determine who wrote what, so there is still accountability integrated into the process.

Process

The authors conclude the article by noting the importance of risk-taking: “the benefit from diversity seemed to stem mainly from the process of learning—a process that involves taking risks and being unafraid to say, ‘I don’t know,’ ‘I made a mistake’, or ‘I need help.’ Showing such vulnerability across divisive lines of difference, such as race, and being met with acceptance rather than judgement or rejection, strengthens relationships” (Ely and Thomas 122). This week, we’re going to practice taking risks by asking and reflecting upon such questions.

1. Reflect upon the reading to identity a couple of areas pertaining to diversity and inclusion where you felt you would appreciate more knowledge (I don’t know) or may need some help. For example, if you were a little confused about the notion of ‘systems of oppression and subversion’ that may be an opportunity for further exploration. Or, perhaps, maybe you were a little puzzled about what was meant by low-status and high-status employees.
2. Choose one ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I need help.’ Briefly introduce this opportunity for exploration and discovery to your classmates.
3. Explain why you’re motivated to learn more or what type of help you’re looking for.
4. And then briefly speculate upon what you might do to get more knowledge or some help.
5. Provide 2 affirmative comments on your classmate’s posts. This week, it is especially important to closely read your classmate’s posts and, as much as possible, attempt to emphasize with their ideas.

Evaluation

This online exercise is worth 5% of your final grade. Later, you’ll have the opportunity to revise and further reflect upon the exercise via the Portfolio.

For this submission, the online exercise will be evaluated via degree of completion by answering ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the following statements:

1. The post shared an “I don’t know” or “I need help”.
2. The post briefly introduced and contextualized the opportunity for exploration.
3. The post briefly explained why the author is motivated to learn more and what sort of wisdom or help they’re looking for.
4. The post speculated upon how the author might get some knowledge or help.
5. The author provided two affirmative comments on classmates’ posts.