What we perceive in others impacts how we respond to them. What do you see when you look at another human being? Do you see characteristics that differentiate you and the other person, or do you see traits that are the same? Are you able and willing to see both the difference and the commonality? Compassionate leaders know the importance of seeing both through ongoing practice.
From Othering to Belonging
Exclusion and othering are as old as humanity, with tragic impacts. The marginalized suffer violence, poorer health outcomes, shorter lifespans, food insecurity, reduced access to work and housing, and routine indignities in everyday interactions. There is hope, however. The same neuroscience that explains our urge to other also shows us the way forward and away from othering.