Leadership Consulting with a DEI Lens
Pathways not Pipelines
To increase the number of under-represented people in programs let's talk pathways not pipelines.
In the field of leadership, diversity, inclusion and equity we use the term pipeline constantly. We discuss increasing the flow of under-represented people like we are looking for oil. We discuss how the resource is lost along the way and how to increase final output. The analogy is appealing to our belief that once discovered a resource can be directed to where it is needed. This analogy fails when you realize that once the "resource" is lost from the pipeline it cannot be recovered. The better metaphor is a pathway.
A pathway leads to a destination and is always accessible to join.
Imagine the difference between seeing a metal six foot high structure winding across the scene out of place with the surrounding environment forcing a fluid or gas to its destination. Now imagine wandering in a desert or forest without direction and coming across a well worn path. One gives a sense of relief the other feels foreboding. The path is made more welcoming by seeing someone else using it.
Making and marking paths to leadership, medicine or any profession allows inclusion of the people who cannot afford to replicate opportunities of the already privileged. A pipeline moves people through external and existing pressure with limited room for variability. A pathway moves through purpose and recognizes that there are many ways to reach a goal.
A pipeline program says, “Write this essay and take this test to get into my program” a pathway program says, “Taking care of your elderly relative demonstrates the abilities we’re looking for”.
A pipeline is anchored on achieving the accolades that have led to unequal representation. A pathway approach helps people at any stage in their life apply their skills and experience to reaching their goal. A pathway says that leaving the path is not the end because you can always come back.
Your path to your goal is not limited and not vulnerable to attack by one individual. Your path is uniquely your own.
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