In a recent LinkedIn post, Ligia Chacón Hernández shares a poignant analogy to illustrate the true meaning of inclusion in leadership and everyday life. Drawing from a visual of two sisters on a stage, one experienced and focused, the other a younger observer finding joy in participation, Hernández highlights the profound impact of creating welcoming environments.
The Essence of Inclusion
Hernández begins by setting the scene, describing the visual metaphor that underpins her message. She contrasts the older sister’s confident performance with the younger sister’s simple happiness in being present and learning.
The older sister dances with focus and confidence. The little one beside her is simply happy to be there—watching, learning, feeling part of something special.
From this observation, Ligia Chacón Hernández draws a powerful conclusion about the nature of inclusion. She argues that inclusion is fundamentally about accessibility and opportunity, not about compromising standards.
Opening Doors, Not Lowering Bars
A central theme in Hernández’s post is the reframing of inclusion. Many perceive inclusion as a form of lowering expectations or standards to accommodate individuals. However, Hernández firmly pushes back against this notion, stating clearly that it is about expansion rather than dilution.
Inclusion isn’t about lowering the bar. It’s about opening the door.
This distinction is crucial, according to Hernández. By “opening the door,” leaders and organizations create pathways for individuals to engage, develop, and feel a genuine sense of belonging. As she elaborates:
It’s about making space so everyone can participate, grow, and feel they belong.
The Transformative Power of Belonging
Hernández emphasizes the significant positive outcomes that arise when individuals, particularly children, feel truly included. She links this feeling of belonging to the development of essential personal qualities.
When a child feels included, something extraordinary happens: confidence grows, courage appears, and joy multiplies.
This perspective suggests that fostering an inclusive environment is not merely a social good but a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment. Ligia Chacón Hernández connects this back to leadership, suggesting that effective leadership often involves enabling others to stand alongside and be recognized.
Leadership as Welcoming Presence
Concluding her post, Hernández equates leadership with the act of creating space for others. She posits that true leadership involves not just personal achievement but also the willingness to welcome and support those who are emerging or learning.
Sometimes leadership looks exactly like this moment on stage, someone standing tall… and someone else being welcomed to stand beside them.
In Ligia Chacón Hernández’s view, the act of welcoming and ensuring someone feels they belong is one of the most valuable contributions a leader can make. The post, shared with hashtags like #LeadWithLove and #Inclusion, serves as a powerful reminder of the human-centered approach to building stronger, more connected communities and workplaces.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ligia Chacón Hernández on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 7, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →