Understanding Centering: Building Inclusive Startup Teams
In the dynamic landscape of startup culture, the term "centering" holds significant weight, serving as a compass guiding the formation of inclusive and diverse teams. At its core, centering involves identifying the primary demographic or perspective that is prioritized in defining the optimal experience within a given context.
Let's delve deeper into this concept and its practical applications within startup environments.
Picture this: an early-stage startup buzzing with youthful energy, where the clinking of glasses at the keg signals both camaraderie and relentless problem-solving. In this scenario, centering revolves around understanding and catering to the preferences and needs of a specific demographic—in this case, young, often single men. The optimal experience for these individuals encompasses long nights spent with work friends, seamlessly blending work and socializing.
However, the essence of centering lies not in perpetuating a singular narrative but in embracing diversity in all its forms. Recognizing the importance of representation, startup teams embark on a deliberate journey to include a spectrum of demographics, lived experiences, and perspectives. This entails asking critical questions such as, "What voices are missing or underrepresented in our team?"
For instance, if gender diversity emerges as an area needing attention, the focus shifts to centering women in the recruitment process. This involves employing innovative strategies, such as:
scouring LinkedIn profiles for "she/her" pronouns
tapping into women's only networks
crafting job descriptions that resonate with what women seek in roles
Moreover, it requires a conscientious effort to address biases that hinder women's career progression, and ensure that we’re building our hiring process with these learnings in mind.
One such bias revolves around the notion of "energy" and its interpretation within hiring processes. Often, women are judged against different standards, leading to disparities in evaluation. By challenging these ingrained patterns and redefining criteria, startup teams pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable hiring landscape.
In essence, centering serves as a guiding principle for startups striving to create teams that reflect the rich tapestry of human experiences. It underscores the importance of intentional inclusion, where every voice is not only heard but valued.
By embracing diversity at its core, learning new perspectives and dismantling systemic barriers, startup ecosystems can truly thrive and innovate in unprecedented ways.
Written by Nikki Adamson (CEO, Founder @ Hustle Hunters), and inspired by the introduction of, and consistent education and teaching work of Katherine Castro around “centering” that has become a major theme in my life.
