Championing Inclusivity: A Glimpse Through Netflix's 'Sex Education' and Its Implications for Today’s Leaders
Introduction
Switching gears slightly, I feel compelled to share my impressions on the last season of Sex Education, which was astounding. This resonates with me as a neurodivergent individual, having had close friendships within these groups. The season illuminated many vital mental health issues, intertwining them with our sexuality, gender roles, and diversity among non-binary groups. The exploration of the impacts on these groups and the tackling of myriad other issues was remarkable, showcasing a wide range of significant topics within a single season. These topics echo my struggles with fitting in, especially professionally. Now more than ever, it's crucial to foster an inclusive culture that encourages individuals to fully express themselves at work, regardless of the challenges in altering the entrenched social norms we abide by.
Netflix's 'Sex Education' is a British comedy-drama that delves into the lives of Moordale Secondary School students, exploring their sexual and emotional experiences. With a diverse cast representing various sexual orientations, gender identities, and ethnic backgrounds, 'Sex Education' provides a rich narrative that fosters inclusivity and understanding. The show's portrayal of sensitive topics in a relatable and humorous manner invites conversations about inclusivity, making it a pertinent reference for discussing inclusivity in contemporary society.
In the recent season, new characters unveiled significant issues. One, a deaf woman, highlighted accessibility challenges, feeling shame in non-inclusive situations like at a movie theater or during a class alarm incident. Regrettably, in my product design experience, accessibility discussions or halting projects due to exclusions, like hearing impairments, are rare. Typically, only larger organizations address such issues, as startups often lack the capacity to accommodate these groups.
There were so many great characters introduced in Season 4 it’s hard to summarize them all but the key takeaways for me where:
Never assume you know what someone is going through, everyone has a life outside of work that may be harder than you think.
Always show up and listen, you’ll be surprised how much just active listening can help support people who are struggling.
Be vulnerable, this is so important because it will show people that even leaders have weaknesses and it will disarm you and make you a more approachable person that people can trust and talk to.
Don’t be afraid to talk about diversity, even if it feels like you are saying the wrong thing if you are coming from the right place they will support you and correct you politely because they know you are an ally and not a threat.
Speak your truth, we all have things we are ashamed of but it’s who we are, be an example of expression and people will follow and be inspired to do the same.
Inclusivity in Corporate Leadership
As leaders, it's a delicate balance between driving results and fostering inclusivity to engage all groups meaningfully. Driving results can sometimes inadvertently exclude certain groups. For instance, being neurodivergent, I experience high-efficiency peaks and low-efficiency troughs, which I can't control. While I can handle high-stress volumes briefly, it may mislead leaders into thinking I can endure this indefinitely. Others may impact differently, not fitting social norms, like disliking meetings despite their capabilities. Requiring individuals to speak in groups, even when uncomfortable, seems unfair. Can we devise alternative performance metrics to avoid putting people in uncomfortable situations for career progression?
Here are a few things you can do as a leader to help maintain an inclusive culture:
Diverse Representation: Include diverse teams in decision-making processes.
Education and Training: Provide training on inclusivity, unconscious bias, and cultural competency.
Open Communication: Foster an environment where employees feel safe to express their ideas and concerns.
Inclusive Policies: Develop policies that cater to a diverse workforce.
Accountability: Hold leaders and teams accountable for inclusive practices.
Accessible Technology: Ensure technology and facilities are accessible to all, including those with disabilities.
Feedback Mechanism: Establish a system to receive and act on feedback regarding inclusivity.
Measure Impact: Regularly measure and analyze the impact of inclusivity initiatives on team performance and company culture.
The essence lies in maintaining curiosity and posing numerous questions without harboring judgments or reactions. As a leader, embracing the fact that one can never know everything is pivotal. With new groups and unique combinations of neurodiversity, sexual orientation, race, culture, and more emerging weekly, gaining a thorough understanding transcends mere book knowledge. By promoting radical candor and urging individuals to present their authentic selves at work, you exemplify commendable leadership. Allow them to voice their truths.
A prevalent social norm is the emphasis on socializing and in-person interaction, which can cause discomfort for individuals with neurodivergent tendencies like social anxiety, autism, or agoraphobia. Personally, I've struggled with this, but have been fortunate to work in environments that didn't mandate socialization or in-person attendance. Often, people resort to alcohol to alleviate this discomfort. Our culture, largely shaped by neurotypicals and extroverts, tends to favor more socializing than what might be comfortable for us "neuro-spicy" individuals.
Here’s how I deal with it without using alcohol or other vices:
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Engage in practices like meditation and deep breathing to manage anxiety symptoms.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Consider engaging in CBT to identify and challenge negative thought patterns.
Exposure Therapy: Gradually expose yourself to social situations to desensitize anxiety triggers.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can help manage anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving mood.
Healthy Sleep and Diet: Maintain a balanced diet and ensure you're getting enough restorative sleep.
Avoid Stimulants: Limit caffeine and alcohol intake as they can exacerbate anxiety.
Support Groups: Join support groups to share experiences and learn coping strategies.
Professional Help: Seek guidance from a healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment.
Practice Social Skills: Engage in social skills training to build confidence in social situations.
Focus on Others: Shift your focus from yourself to others to alleviate self-consciousness and reduce anxiety.
Inclusivity in Storytelling
'Sex Education' tactfully addresses stigmatized topics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health, thereby promoting dialogue and understanding. By representing diverse identities and experiences, the show empowers audiences, fostering empathy, and challenging societal norms. This, in turn, has a positive impact by promoting inclusivity beyond the screen, encouraging viewers to engage in meaningful discussions around these often taboo topics. Through its storytelling, 'Sex Education' not only entertains but also educates and initiates a broader conversation about inclusivity and acceptance in society.
In conclusion, fostering inclusivity isn't merely a trendy buzzword, but a crucial facet of modern leadership, societal narratives, and self-acceptance. The nuances of 'Sex Education' offer a lens through which we can better understand and embrace diversity, both personally and professionally. It beckons a shift from conventional, restrictive norms to a more open, accepting, and understanding culture, whether in storytelling or the corporate world. The journey towards inclusivity begins with awareness, evolves with action, and matures with the continuous endeavor to understand and include the kaleidoscope of human experiences and identities.
