Habitual Inclusion

Habitual Inclusion - it's where we want to get to, right? But what can that mean? Should we be unthinking in our actions? I'd say not.

"The ‘do good, to be good’ principle is one of the most important lessons psychology has to offer" says Professor Timothy Wilson, in his book Stranger to Ourselves, Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious. He adds that "behaviour change often precedes changes in attitudes and feelings…it can be helpful to alter your behaviour in a more positive way… to establish a desirable pattern of habitual responses, the best advice is to practice, practice, practice."

Creating great habits takes time: first, through conscious planning, and then, through behavioural procedural automation. However, I'd say, you still need to think about it. There's a point where you know you have to do something but you might think - "ah, no - I'd rather not bother - I'm sure it'll be fine"... you can then slip out of the habit.

With inclusion - that's not a viable option.

Cultural Intelligence, CQ, the capability to work and relate effectively across difference, requires us to be motivated (Drive), understand difference (Knowledge), plan the use of that knowledge thoughtfully (Strategy), and then put it to use in an adaptive way (Action). Research shows, to be highly capable in CQ, is to be inclusive.

Habitual inclusion requires you to mitigate your bias through repeated conscious action, so it becomes more automatic, but it's never unconscious. The habit remains considered - it's simply practiced to the point of being less effortful.

To find out more about to becoming habitually inclusive, get in touch.