On Efficiency & Inclusion

Credit: Original Collage by Maïssa Toulet

To love, we need to be sensitive to those around us, which is impossible if we are always racing through life engrossed in all the things we need to do before sunset.

-Eknath Easwaran

Notions & Contemplations

I can’t remember when I first developed my infatuation with efficiency, but I think it was some time in my mid-teens. Then, as now, it begins with that particular anxiety of a long to-do list and not enough hours in the day. Seeking respite from potential overwhelm, my brain goes into Order of Operations mode, sorting tasks into a sequence that optimizes for time spent and effort expended; in other words, How To Win in Work & Life. 

The refrain is constant: so much to do, so little time, so little time, so much to do. And then there’s the pay-off: the thrill of crossing items off that to-do list with time and energy to spare. Efficiency for the win! 

The Wrong Standard

Then, several years ago, I began working in the field of racial equity, which necessarily challenges many of the norms that I–and all of us–have become accustomed to, including (but not limited to) my beloved efficiency. As it turns out, we’ve been using the wrong standard for How To Win in Work & Life. 

Take, for example, the concept of inclusion, which I daresay we all support. Let’s say our workplace, church, or volunteer Board of Directors has set a noble goal of becoming more representative of its community. We didn’t set out to be a mostly white group, “it just turned out that way.” Upon reflection, we realize that itactuallyturned out that way because we’ve always defaulted to the most efficient approach to recruitment–from our immediate, mostly white networks–without investing time and effort in finding more diverse candidates. In this case, efficiency has, without intention or malice, resulted in an exclusionary practice.

 This same tension shows up in our personal and professional decisions. Our M.O., by and large, is to opt for the efficient (or quickest) decision—an arguably natural response in a culture of urgency and competition. Consequently, we miss (or exclude) the valuable data that comes from gathering input from myriad sources and different perspectives.

When Short-Term Gains lead to Long-Term Losses

If you’re feeling sorta sheepish at this point, please know thatit’s not just you. Really. For those of us living in a capitalist society, we’ve been raised with the wrong standard. We’ve been trained to pursue efficiency for short-term wins, at the cost of the long-term gains that would have come from more inclusive behavior. 

 Unfortunately, because most of us (and certainly me) are wired for efficiency, becoming more inclusive in thought, word, and deed requires some rewiring. Before making a business decision, or advising a client on one, I have to: 

1. Slow down and ask myself what I might be missing; 

2. Think about resources outside of my immediate network; 

3. Solicit that input;

4. AND be okay with the extra time that those first three things take. 
   

I’ll tell you something: the rewiring hasn’t failed me once. At the Southern Equity Collective, inclusion is our default: all of our work is carried out by multi-racial teams, with the fundamental understanding that our advice is most sound when informed by diverse perspectives. And our clients are better off for it.

A Better Standard

The esteemed naturalist and poet-farmer Wendell Berry once commented that humans will only solve our greatest challenges when we “judge our behavior, our history, and our present situation with a better standard than efficiency...” He is right. At the end of the day, decisions—whether they be political, financial, or mundane—are an exercise of power. The standard by which we make those decisions—and who benefits from them—can be an instrument of positive change.

P.S. For more tips on optimizing your decisions, see these great tips from my brilliant Executive Coach, Ben Kiker.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Around this time every year, I feel conflicted by how much I love giving holiday gifts and how overwhelmed I am by the options. If you suffer from a similar affliction, allow me to help with the following, slightly biased ideas.

Shea Yaleen: I’m enormously proud to be supporting Shea Yaleen through the Level Leaders network. Founded by social entrepreneur Rahama Wright, Shea Yaleen sources shea butter from female producers in Ghana, paying them 5x the local living wage and supporting the education of 268+ children to date. I’m a huge fan of the Lavender Honeysuckle Body Balm!

Spicewell: I am loving my friend Raina Kumra’s new company, Spicewell, which is on a mission to replace your salt and pepper with a healthier, tastier alternative. Seasoning that comes with vitamins and minerals? Yes, please. Order a shaker set for every chef you know! 

Brooklyn Tea: I had the pleasure of meeting the dynamic husband and wife duo behind the delicious Brooklyn Tea brand a couple of years ago in NYC, and I have yet to find a tea blend that I enjoy more than their Cream Earl Grey. And they just opened a new location in Atlanta, lucky me! For all the dignified tea drinkers in your life, look no further.

The Sip: For all the times when you want to toast a friend’s happy occasion…but you live in a different city… Meet The Sip, a curated collection of the world’s finest bubbly, ready to ship and sip! Co-founders Erica and Catherine are mixing up the wine industry with their innovative model and excellent taste. Send friends a-holiday-party-in-a-box here. 

HookNHide: If you haven’t seen the latest belt buckle (and bottle opener!) designs from my artist-slash-outdoor-guru brother, Tom, feast your eyes on his new dog, horse, and wild bird series. Orrrr send a subtle message to your sometimes-crabby partner with this wearable work of art.

Silver & Sage: Who doesn’t need a little more zen in our daily lives? Designed by my wise-as-she-is-stylish sister, Logan, Silver & Sage’s yoga-inspired jewelry line is truly the gift that keeps on giving, reminding the wearer that Change Takes Courage, to Reach for the Sky, or to Walk in Truth. Pro tip: select pieces based on natural stone properties here.