Three Ideas to Cultivate Inclusive Leadership:
1. Embrace Diversity: Actively seek out and value diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds within your team. Recognize
that diversity fosters creativity, innovation, and better decision-making.
2. Practice Active Listening: Create a safe space for open communication and actively listen to your team members’ ideas, concerns,
and feedback. Show genuine interest and empathy, and ensure everyone feels heard and valued.
3. Champion Equity: Ensure fair treatment, equal opportunities, and inclusive practices for all team members. Address any biases
or inequities in your systems and processes, and advocate for underrepresented groups.
Leadership Impact Highlight
Research by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. (Source: McKinsey & Company)
Leadership Thought-Provoking Prompt:
“Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” – Verna Myers
• How can you create a truly inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute?
• What steps can you take to identify and address any unconscious biases in your leadership practices?
One Action Step to Lead with Heart:
Participate in a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training or workshop to deepen your understanding of inclusive leadership practices. Encourage your team members to join you and engage in ongoing conversations about creating a more inclusive workplace.
