I've been thinking a lot about inclusion. You might have noticed that it's in the news these days. Last week, “inclusion” even made it onto a list of banned words. Imagine that. A word that signifies a universal human need, a feeling we all want so deeply—to be included, connected, to belong—being treated as something dangerous.

In our Workshops via Zoom, we often run a simple but profound activity. I ask participants to recall a time when they felt included and to share how it felt. Without fail, the responses pour into the chat: I feel seen. Warm. Loved. Respected. Empowered. Motivated. 

Then, I ask them to recall a time when they felt excluded. The shift is immediate. The responses come even more quickly: Hurt. Pain. Ignored. Demotivated. Targeted. Angry. Abandoned. 

These responses are a powerful reminder of the beautiful impact of inclusion and the harm of exclusion. Inclusion isn’t just a concept; it’s a fundamental, enduring human need that can’t be erased or censored. And exclusion is also not a concept—it causes harm. No list can erase that truth. 

I share the story of this simple engagement because in my view, now is not the time to avoid the work of inclusion. It's time to redouble, recast and evolve our work, to get better at being inclusive so we can create inclusive spaces for everyone. With that in mind, a small reminder that every course we offer is designed to build real, actionable inclusion skills–to use, especially in moments like this. 

If there were ever a time to start or continue your work, it’s now. Are you ready to take action and join the thousands of organizations using Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts? You can enroll yourself or license Ouch! for your workplace. Or choose from our catalog–The Inclusive Leader in You, Inclusion Insights with Dr. Steve Robbins, or Inclusion in Action. 

Inclusion is not just a word for us, it’s a commitment. Our passion. And I'm here to support you in making it real. Let’s keep talking.      ~~ Joel