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Let’s face it, “leadership” is more than just a title on a business card. It’s either you know and lead with an example, or you’d be considered or seen as a fancy seat in the boardroom. Our current workplace environment is now turning into a diverse one that is considered digital-first. What truly separates a good leader from a great one, in my opinion, is how they adopt an inclusive mindset.
Inclusive leadership is not about creating your own cultural days that include employees from different cultures. Inclusive leadership is adopting a mindset. It’s a practice that helps you create a healthy working environment for your employees and helps them understand that they have someone who listens and will do everything in their power to help. Many ask a certain question: what qualities are essential for someone to be a good leader through inclusive leadership? Let’s dive into what makes a leader inclusive and how you can create that balance of leading and having what it takes to also learn from your staff.
1. Empathy: The Real MVP
Empathy is something that is important in our daily lives to implement. However, as a leader, empathy is not only wanted, it is needed. That is because an inclusive leader would have to understand their team through active listening. Additionally, they would also understand their unique experiences and adapt to their emotional and professional needs.
Imagine with me a manager who doesn’t acknowledge his staff’s efforts or make them feel unappreciated. Now imagine with me one with an opposite scenario who acknowledges cultural and religious holidays. Not only that, but also he adjusts his employees’ vacations accordingly. That is what I call empathy and respect in action. The thing is, it’s not about being soft; it’s about being human and putting yourself in someone’s shoes. If you wish to implement empathy in your inclusive leadership plan, you can start with a simple “how are you doing today?” in your next one-on-one meeting and really mean it.
2. Cultural Intelligence: Beyond Knowing the Best Takeout Spots
Being inclusive means understanding and respecting cultural nuances. Leaders who are culturally intelligent are aware of the unspoken flows that affect people’s behavior, communication styles, and even how they receive feedback.
And to answer your question, no, you don’t have to become a global anthropologist to be an inclusive leader. However, recognizing that people approach work differently based on background and life experience? Yes, that is powerful leadership.
3. Authenticity: Ditch the Corporate Mask
Nobody likes a robot in a suit. Inclusive leaders show up as their genuine selves and encourage others to do the same. This doesn’t mean oversharing your weekend or personal affairs. It means being honest about your values, open to feedback, and willing to admit when you don’t have all the answers. There is no shame in saying, “I don’t know, but I’ll look it up for you.” That is because authenticity builds trust, and in inclusive environments, trust is the currency that will lead to better collaborations and work environment understanding.
4. Openness to Diverse Perspectives
I guess we can all agree that great minds don’t always think alike, and believe me when I say that this is a good thing. Inclusive leaders actively seek out different perspectives. Additionally, they encourage having healthy debates. Whether it’s from interns, senior execs, or remote employees halfway across the globe, every voice should always matter to you as an inclusive leader. Diversity of thought leads to better decision-making. Furthermore, it leads to more exciting brainstorming sessions that are fruitful for your mindset and your work routine.
5. Continuous Learning: Curiosity Never Gets Old
Last but definitely not least, inclusive leaders are always learning. Yes, you don’t have to be a know-it-all in order to be an inclusive leader. You have to invest in yourself in order to be able to invest in a healthy working clientele and employee base. Mentoring sessions are a good way to start. These sessions can help you keep yourself up-to-date and evolve your understanding of what it actually means to lead inclusively. Because facing that the world is changing faster than ever is the essence of understanding that leadership that doesn’t evolve is one that will be left behind.
Final Thoughts!
To put things simply, inclusive leadership is not a simple checklist of commands of the day. As a matter of fact, it’s a lifestyle. This is a type of leadership that is all about creating a work environment where everyone, regardless of their background, feels seen, heard, valued, and empowered to contribute their best. Embracing the essential qualities of inclusive leadership no matter what your background of expertise is will lead you to great success and to becoming the example you wish to become as a work manager or leader.
