The Round Table
The story of Camelot has endured in part because of the idea of the Round Table. There’s something in us that resonates with the idea. It feels right and smart to have a council of equals leading and advising. (Especially when we’ve experienced a boss or leader who can only see out of their own eyes.) Of course, in the historical myth, the movies, and many organizations (still!) today, the Knights of the Round Table are usually all white men with a similar mindset—they’re all knights/fighters (a mindset that only perpetuates the idea of “us” v. “them” or “us” v. “nature”).
A healthy community is a diverse community.
In biomes from the savannah to the human gut, species richness, diversity, and evenness cause ecosystems to function more efficiently, productively, and with much better resiliency—which equals, sustainability. Why would we think human organizations would be any different? No single leader could ever see or think with the fullness available to a diverse group. Diverse perspectives of age, gender, culture, income, religion, mindset, and strengths will reward a community with a richness and longevity that exceeds financial status.
Diverse leadership is the surest path to a diverse community.
It’s not rocket science. If you want a diverse community, put together a small group representative of the community or the community you want to create. They will bring their friends, provide assurance to people like them who are considering joining, and they will figure out how to make a place attractive to more people like them. Put together your own (truer) Round Table of diverse people who respect one another and share the vision of the project (yes, easier said than done) and you will be well on your way.