Power and Inclusive Workplaces

Are you curious about how power dynamics can shape a more inclusive and welcoming environment at work? This episode navigates the complex relationship between power, inclusiveness, and creating a sense of belonging.

Jason Patent is a consultant and educator as well as the author of Humanly Possible: A New Model of Leadership for a More Inclusive World. Jason has lived and worked extensively in China, and his past roles include Director of the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership at UC Berkeley’s International House, American Co-Director of the Hopkins–Nanjing Center for Chinese and American Studies, and Director of the Stanford Program in Beijing.

 

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Episode Highlights

1:44   The relationship between power and inclusiveness

6:15   Examples of how we can be blind to our own power

7:24   Navigating interpersonal power dynamics in China

10:33 The intersection of cultural dimensions and power

18:42 The "but test" to gain insights about our own biases

21:19 How good intentions can backfire when we're unaware of our biases

24:01 Explanation of the concept of bridging

29:37 Strategies for bridging across high and low context cultures

39:29 The practice of bridging by "taking one extra beat"

42:56 How to receive feedback from somebody who has less power

48:34 Tim Clark's four stages of psychological safety

 

Jason's view on the greatest unmet wellbeing need at work today

"It is, to the extent that somebody has power, including societal privilege, right, identity based societal privilege, acknowledging that and using it to create more inclusive spaces and more psychologically safe space...because by not doing that we are damaging others."

 

What “working with humans” means to Jason

“If I had to put it in one word...I would say 'care'.

Working with humans is treating other human beings with care...I feel that every human life is precious. Human dignity