The Inclusive Blog

Joel Kampf:

Executive Coach/Consultant, Social Justice Advocate

Why I do this work.

I’ve worked in a variety of organizations and all of the people I’ve met would benefit from learning to work and live together more effectively. I see struggles that don’t need to exist - struggles that equitable and inclusive led cultures do not suffer.
 
Leaders share their fears and doubts with me - their uncertainty around what they should or shouldn’t do around Social Justice. They have good intentions, yet feel at a loss over what to do and where to start. So we talk. We share why we want to do this work.
 
I share that I do this work to develop more allies. I do it because I grew up in and still live a life of privilege, while others suffer, and I do this work because as a White person it’s my responsibility to dismantle Racism.
 
These times find us more divided than ever so we must operate from the perspective that we’re more alike than different - which requires all of us to let go of our opinions and assumptions about ourselves and others. It begins by each of us becoming more curious… to seek to understand versus seeking to be understood. And I do this work to help others to adopt these behaviors and build more trusting, interdependent relationships.

For me, the most successful and satisfying personal relationships happen when both parties support each other on their growth journeys - that they believe our differences are positive and a learning opportunity.
 
I adhere to the proven knowledge that leadership effectiveness results in improved overall performance - and that the most effective leaders are those working to further develop themselves so that they may assist in the development of others.
 
They learn to think more objectively and hold multiple perspectives at the same time, while still holding on to their own… without judgement. It requires persistence, patience and presence. I know. Because I’m working on it too.