As leaders where does the line of inclusivity get drawn, or is there a line? To be truly inclusive must we allow all values and beliefs to be heard? What about those that create divides and threaten other people’s sense of belonging?
At Dishoom, they proudly recite their Dharma and have many great examples of where differences are celebrated – but for Shamil, what does he do as a leader when a different view-point threatens the inclusive environment that he has so carefully built? When those cultural collisions happen, which they do, how does he lead in that environment? He and the Dishoom leadership team created the Dishoom Community Standards – a sort of code of conduct and behaviours which sits with the values and beliefs illustrated in the Dharma.
The Dishoom Community Standards are, as Shamil described them, about ‘pinning your colours to the mast, and standing by them’. It is about acknowledging that there are different view-points and perspectives, some of which you won’t share, but knowing where you as a leader feel you should draw the line. For Shamil, the line was one of respect.
As a leader, Shamil felt confident that having created a flexible environment, where people felt included and could share their differences, he and the leadership team of Dishoom had a duty to be firm in protecting it.
By excluding disrespectful behaviours, through the Community Standards, Shamil believes Dishoom will be able to continue to lead an inclusive environment.
Read more of Shamil's leadership insights in our Blog
