The Boldly Inclusive Leader

Inclusive leadership takes commitment.

No straightforward, stepped guide to achieving inclusive leadership exists. It involves a commitment to continuous learning from others, introspection and a blend of resilience in advocating for justice and empathy in human interactions. It requires the mindset of a disruptor when necessary.

Don’t mistake inclusive leadership for a peripheral task addressed only when convenient; integrate it into every aspect of your work. Committing to this form of leadership is a constant endeavor.

The way you conduct yourself and communicate as a leader sets a critical example for your team.

A positive and inclusive attitude influences your organization’s culture. When handling sensitive issues, demonstrate openness – both in your words and via nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions – and a commitment to addressing employee concerns. Admit when you don’t know something – but show you are willing to learn – encourage a variety of perspectives, and foster a culture where quieter voices are heard and valued alongside more dominant ones. ...