Sector News

Inclusive leadership: Just be good to people

August 31, 2017
Borderless Leadership

As Mahatma Gandhi was believed to have said, “No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.”

Exclusivity breeds exclusion, while inclusion fosters belonging and connection. As companies embark to establish, sustain or change their culture, it is paramount to make sure inclusion is part of the overall strategic plan.

Research indicates that people want to feel included, heard and valued, and they will go above and beyond if the essential need of belonging is met. If inclusion is not present, diversity may be achievable, but not sustainable. A lack of belonging adversely impacts an organization’s bottom line through attrition — a surefire indication that your staff is primed to leave.

Inclusion and belonging are critically sought-after workplace attributes that are often not achieved due to leaders who inhibit inclusion through their actions. We also know that it’s not just diversity that matters, but diversity, inclusion, belonging and support, otherwise known as DIBS. Let’s focus on what DIBS fosters in the workplace.

I am a big believer in leading by example, and it’s incredibly important that as a leader, I practice what I preach and lead with the spirit of inclusion. Becoming an inclusive leader is not rocket science; it’s actually quite the opposite. It starts with the old adage, “Treat others as you’d like to be treated.”

Being inclusive is about keeping it simple, human, and making sure employees understand what inclusion is and how those behaviors show up at work. We know that if staff feel like they truly belong and are supported, they will thrive.

Often, leaders unintentionally (or sometimes, intentionally) exhibit behaviors of exclusion that leave staff feeling left out and despondent. As a leader, you bear the responsibility for setting the tone and carrying the mantle of an inclusive culture.

By Bernard Coleman III

Source: Forbes

comments closed

Related News

March 15, 2024

Future of the workplace: culture

Borderless Leadership

Culture is tied to how an organization will tell its story and can often be a byproduct of how that story and those values are lived out.” Understanding the cultural shifts happening now will help corporate leaders, candidates and talent and leadership consultants plan for and lead in the future — from how to attract top talent to improving employee retention and the bottom line.

March 10, 2024

5 things all good bosses have in common

Borderless Leadership

We write a lot about bad bosses. After all, a bad boss can ruin everything you might like about your job. But what about the good bosses? The people who support your career development, make you feel valued, are open to feedback, and who hold themselves accountable?

March 2, 2024

It’s cool to be kind: The value of empathy at work

Borderless Leadership

Hybrid work. Talent shortages. Polarizing politics. Building a culture is tougher than ever. Recent research reveals the difference empathy can make—as well as how to develop it in your workplace. In this episode of McKinsey Talks Talent, Jamil Zaki joins McKinsey talent leaders Bryan Hancock and Brooke Weddle, with global editorial director Lucia Rahilly, to make the case for investing in empathic behavior.

How can we help you?

We're easy to reach