Radical Inclusion

About the Author

Martin Dempsey served for 41 years in the U.S. Army, including as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 2015, he was named one of the most influential leaders in the world by Time magazine. His extensive military experience provides a solid foundation for his insights into leadership and inclusion.

Ori Brafman is a researcher, entrepreneur, and author of three New York Times best-sellers. Brafman's ideas on leadership have been implemented by the U.S. government, Google, Microsoft, Cisco, and Intel, among others. His expertise in organizational dynamics complements Dempsey's military background, making their collaboration in "Radical Inclusion" a powerful combination.

Main Idea

"Radical Inclusion" by Martin Dempsey and Ori Brafman emphasizes the urgent need for leaders to embrace inclusion in a rapidly changing world. The book argues that in today's environment, the speed and accessibility of information create "digital echoes" that erode trust between leaders and followers. To build and preserve power, leaders must relinquish and share control, fostering a culture of inclusion that leverages diverse voices to create a winning narrative and navigate complex challenges.

Table of Contents

1. The Operating Environment
   • The Digital Echo
   • The Power of Narrative
2. Harnessing the Power of Inclusion
   • The Economics of Inclusion
   • The Power of Belonging
3. The Inclusive Leader
   • Belonging Isn't Optional
   • Connect Effort with Meaning
   • Think About What You're Not Thinking About
   • Prevent Decision Paralysis
   • Collaborate at Every Level of the Organization
   • Expand the Circle

The Digital Echo

The concept of the "digital echo" is a crucial element in understanding the modern leadership landscape. Dempsey and Brafman describe how the rapid spread of information can distort facts and create misleading narratives. In a world where verifying facts is increasingly difficult, leaders must develop an instinct for inclusion to access the most accurate information.

"In a world where verifying facts is becoming increasingly difficult, inclusion is imperative. It gives us sources as close to the ground or the action as possible, providing our best chance of getting at the truth." - Dempsey and Brafman

For example, the authors highlight a hoax involving a supposed chemical plant fire in Louisiana, which spread rapidly on social media, creating confusion and misinformation. This illustrates the need for leaders to rely on diverse sources of information to navigate the "fog of war" in the digital age.

The Power of Narrative

Narratives have become a powerful tool in shaping public perception and influencing decisions. Unlike facts, which require verification, narratives gain power through their emotional appeal and spreadability. Leaders must understand the importance of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with their audience.

"Facts need to be verified in order to have utility. But narratives gain power merely by spreading." - Dempsey and Brafman

The authors provide the example of the Boston Marathon bombings and how narratives around the event shaped public perception and response. They emphasize that leaders must engage in the battle of narratives by creating inclusive stories that reflect diverse perspectives and foster trust.

The Economics of Inclusion

Inclusion is not just a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. Dempsey and Brafman argue that excluding people comes at a significant cost, while inclusion can harness underutilized resources and foster innovation.