DEIB | Potluck Has Done More For Diversity Than Any Policy

I'd argue that, at least in the corporate world, a simple potluck has done more good for culture building and DEIB than any set of policies, initiatives, metrics, or executive speeches. In fact, I'd argue that the latter ends up hurting culture and driving wedges between groups as they are artificial and contrived. And people know it. Whereas a joint potluck brings people together, seeing that "they" is really "we."

Photo by Cats Coming: https://www.pexels.com/photo/round-white-and-blue-ceramic-bowl-with-cooked-ball-soup-and-brown-wooden-chopsticks-955137/

A Young Polish Kid's Journey Across Asia (Without ever leaving Jersey)

In kindergarten one of my best friends was from a 1st generation Filipino immigrant family, I went to his house everyday after school. It's where I learned what great fried chicken and roasted pork was, and flavors of lemongrass and tamarind that I certainly wasn't eating at home. As well as the shock of a 6 year old learning that people bought 50 lbs bags of rice and had a rice cooker that consistently had fresh steamy, delicious sticky rice on-tap!

In middle school a new best friend was from a 1st generation Chinese immigrant family, where again everyday after school, while listening to punk, I learned what homemade fried rice was really like, and the Asian ingredients that gave a unique variation of umami. Clean, light, and full, FULL of just-cooked crispy vegetables, add in some pork or chicken, and it's just heaven. Not the greasy, heavy take-out at most places.

In high school another new best friend was part of a 1st generation Korean family who owned a local Oriental Grocery (an entire universe of ingredients!). Again rotating between all our friend's houses as you do in high school, it gave me an understanding of commonalities of a very large region through consistencies like great sticky rice, and the differences with variations of locally available spices and vegetables. This is probably when I fell in love with hot stuff , with kimchi, and strong flavors like pickled fish and kimbap. We traded my mom's 1st generation Polish immigrant legit golumpki (stuffed cabbage) and my babci's (grandmother) pierogies for his family's kimchi. A match made in heaven.

I learned what variations of languages sounded like, what different cultural decorative aesthetics looked like, and what different aromas a household smelled like, and it was all wonderful! It gave me the basis to explore on my own with a dozen other authentic regional cuisines.

It Wasn't Just the Food, It Was the Connections

It wasn't just the food, that was just a common language using a different localized slang; it was going into their home, into their life, their families, that not only educated me, but drove an inherent appreciation for the differences of culture because it gave me all those very positive experiences. People learn about cultural diversity when people can come together on a fundamental common human level, not forced to with policy. You want a diverse organization, create a welcoming culture that fosters expression of their unique traditions.

As the next 25 years of my professional career proved, the strongest groups, the ones that actually gelled together as if one large egalitarian community, were those that celebrated each other's culture: through food, through holidays, and through a common understanding that we're all different. And that's AWESOME!

Photo by Vicky Tran: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bowl-of-food-on-gray-tray-2781540/

Leadership and the Language of Food

In the realm of leadership, there's a parallel lesson to be learned from these culinary adventures. As leaders, it's our role to create spaces that welcome and celebrate diverse perspectives, much like a well-hosted potluck. In a truly inclusive environment, different ideas, much like varied dishes, come together to form a richer, more flavorful experience. This requires moving beyond formal policies and into the realm of authentic engagement and appreciation.

Just as I discovered the unifying power of food in my personal experiences, leaders can foster a similar sense of unity in professional settings. It's about cultivating an environment where team members feel valued not just for their skills, but also for their cultural backgrounds and personal experiences. This approach transforms diversity from a policy on paper to a lived experience, enriching the organizational culture in profound ways.

Moreover, leadership in diverse environments is akin to being a skilled chef who understands how to blend various ingredients to create a harmonious dish. It's about knowing when to add a new element, when to let individual flavors shine, and how to balance the overall composition. Leaders must adeptly navigate the complexities of cultural nuances, ensuring that each team member's contribution is recognized and valued, just like each unique dish at a potluck.

As we embrace this culinary metaphor in our leadership journey, we find that diversity is not just about meeting quotas or ticking boxes. It's about weaving a rich tapestry of perspectives, experiences, and traditions into the very fabric of our organizations.

In conclusion, let's take inspiration from the humble potluck and apply its lessons to our leadership practices. By doing so, we can create more inclusive, vibrant, and effective teams. And, who knows, maybe the next potluck will be the starting point for our next great collaborative endeavor.