Learning And Decolonization In The Workplace
Heard the term ‘decolonization’ in academia, but not sure how it fits into workplace learning?
Guest poster Aisha Musa is here to share the benefits of decolonizing workplaces, and how we can do it by valuing all different kinds of learning.
It is very easy to hear the term ‘decolonization’ and imagine that it only lends itself to academia and educational institutions. However, when we talk about decolonization we need to step into a world beyond textbooks and into our workplaces. I like to think about it from the lens of our global world which is ever-changing and accommodating of our society’s values, beliefs and culture - which is why it is not far-fetched to think about decolonization from the lens of how we work together.
At work, we can ask: how can decolonization fit in with what we do every day? The answer is a bit complicated, but it's all about different cultures working together. This mix of languages, beliefs, and values is super important for us to connect and work well. We're not just talking about books or how universities can decolonize the curriculum, we're also looking at how we learn in the workplace.
You see, there’s this idea that only certain ways of learning are the ‘right’ ones. But to really get what decolonization is all about, we need to shake up this notion. We’ve got to understand that all types of learning, whether they happen in a classroom or around the watercooler during lunch time, hold value. It’s like appreciating the special ingredients that different cultures bring to the table - their norms, traditions, and ways of looking at the world and only when we start seeing these things, do we get to see them reflected in the people around us. This can include companies and employers looking for people with a breadth of experiences and not just a one-size-fits-all attribute.
When we take on this open-minded approach to learning, we uncover a treasure of perspectives. These perspectives help us truly understand the colorful tapestry of norms and ethics woven into different cultures. It’s not about watering down traditions; it’s about showing how they still matter and fit into our ever-changing work world. So, as we work towards a more inclusive workplace, let's remember that knowledge isn't trapped in textbooks. It's alive in the stories we tell, the experiences we share, and the wisdom that's been passed along. By embracing all sorts of learning, we're a step closer to a workplace that doesn't just welcome diversity, but thrives on it. It's a place where every voice is important, every tradition is respected, and every way of learning is celebrated for the unique perspective it brings.
Another important part to decolonizing the workplace is diversification. This means making sure we have lots of different voices in the room and acknowledging that a space like that is capable of breaking all boundaries and generating innovative and transformative ideas. This does not however mean that workplaces should only target diversifying their team members as a check the box exercise, as the true nature of diversification is genuine willingness to participate in the journey of getting new ideas and insights from all kinds of people.
To bring this change into our workplaces, we can start by doing a few things:
Amplify Every Voice: Make a place where everyone's ideas are not just accepted, but actively sought after. By embracing a range of viewpoints, we dismantle the colonial notion of one dominant narrative and instead create a harmonious symphony of voices, where everyone’s ideas contribute to the collective understanding.
Cultural Exchange in Action: Foster genuine connections by engaging in practices that promote the sharing of cultures. From culinary delights to storytelling, enable open dialogues about traditions, breaking down barriers and fostering deeper connections that celebrate diversity rather than marginalizing it.
Courageous Conversations: Establish safe havens for open discussions that go beyond surface-level interactions. Encourage dialogue about personal experiences, challenges, aspirations, and even the challenging aspects of decolonization. By confronting uncomfortable truths, we make way for genuine understanding and growth.
An All-Encompassing Circle: Embrace the essence of inclusivity when scouting for new team members. Employers should actively seek people from various walks of life, embracing their distinct experiences and insights. In doing so, we build teams that truly reflect the diverse world we operate in.
When we value different viewpoints, we open the door to new perspectives that can revolutionize the way we do things. This is the magic of diversity—it brings fresh ideas that can lead to success and also, it simply recognizes that just because a way of life has existed for ages does not mean it cannot be changed to reflect society today. Remember, this change doesn't happen overnight. It's a journey that takes time and effort from everyone.
But the results are worth it. When we embrace decolonization and diversification, we create workplaces where everyone feels valued and heard. We tap into the richness of our differences and turn them into strengths. We become more adaptable, open-minded, and creative. And most importantly, we contribute to building a better, more inclusive world.
As we bring decolonization and diversification into our workplaces, we can make them incredible places where every voice matters, every background is celebrated, and our team becomes a colourful picture of the world around us. This change isn't just for fun; it helps us work better, come up with great ideas, and make our society more fair and equal.
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