Mai Lam Conan

Opening Up to Differences

Differences are part of life, but with the multiplication and acceleration of exchanges and the way we perceive them today, instead of bringing us together, they distance and isolate us from one another. Opening up to differences addresses a crucial issue in our societies. How can we open up to differences without losing our specificity, identity, or values? How can we articulate individual interests with collective interests? How can we value singular contributions and welcome all the diversities of the world without creating chaos? With globalization, digitalization, and the presence of five generations in the workplace, the nature of the differences that emerge has changed. Beyond visible differences related to socio-demographic characteristics and differences in values, you will discover in this conference cognitive differences. The mistake we often make is to perceive these differences uniformly and to treat them indiscriminately. The great novelty of Mai Lam Nguyen-Conan sheds light on a new form of intelligence, which she calls inclusive intelligence. Inclusive intelligence is the ability to reach out to others while remaining oneself; it allows us to push our human capacities beyond respect or tolerance to bring about true transformation, both individually and collectively, in our relationship with others.