In today’s complex and evolving work environment, inclusive leadership is not only about managing diverse teams but also creating a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Inclusive leaders create workplaces where innovation thrives, productivity increases, and employees feel empowered to contribute their best.

 

During our most recent Inclusive Leadership Series session, leaders were guided through a discussion on the importance of inclusive leadership traits and behaviours.

 

The session emphasised practical actionable strategies leaders can take to enhance inclusion in their teams.

 

 

Defining Inclusive Leadership

 

Inclusive leadership refers to the behaviours and actions that promote fairness, respect, and a deep sense of belonging within an organisation. The importance of inclusive leadership has grown over the years, with research showing that inclusive teams are 70% more innovative and productive.

 

But what exactly does inclusive leadership involve? According to Dr. Juliet Bourke’s model, inclusive leaders exhibit six key traits:

 

Commitment, Courage, Cognisance of Bias, Curiosity, Cultural Intelligence, and Collaboration.

 

 

Tips to Build Inclusive Leadership Traits and Behaviours

 

Commitment

 

Tip for Leaders: Demonstrate your commitment by regularly discussing inclusion in meetings and being proactive in seeking diverse viewpoints. Be prepared to challenge the status quo and put time and energy into creating an inclusive environment.

 

Courage

 

Tip for Leaders: Encourage open dialogue within your team and model vulnerability by being open about your own learning journey around inclusivity. Acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers and actively seek contributions from others.

 

Cognisance of Bias

 

Tip for Leaders: Regularly assess for bias, challenge assumptions, and foster a culture where all voices are valued. Implement procedures like diverse hiring panels and anonymous feedback channels to reduce the impact of bias in decision-making.

 

Curiosity

 

Tip for Leaders: In meetings, ask open-ended questions like, “What haven’t we considered yet?” or “Tell me more about your thought process on this.” Actively seek different ways people approach things and be comfortable with ambiguity – avoid rushing to solutions.

 

Cultural Intelligence

 

Tip for Leaders: Engage in conversations with your team about their cultural backgrounds and practices, and encourage cross-cultural learning opportunities.

 

Collaboration

 

Tip for Leaders: Foster psychological safety in your team by encouraging respectful debate and making it clear that every perspective is valued.

 

 

Practical Steps for Leaders

 

As leaders, creating an inclusive environment requires more than just understanding these traits; it’s about incorporating them into everyday practice. Here are some actionable steps to enhance inclusivity in your leadership:

 

• Audit Your Inner Circle: Reflect on who you turn to for advice and decision-making. Are they diverse in age, background, and perspective? If not, consider expanding your circle to include people who may bring varied perspectives.
• Model Empathy and Openness: Be the leader who listens actively and with the intent to understand. Create a space where your team feels comfortable sharing ideas, even those that challenge the status quo.
• Encourage Inclusive Conversations: Whether in meetings or one-on-one, ask questions that bring out different viewpoints. For example, ask your team members to share how their backgrounds might shape their approach to problem-solving.
• Create Safe Spaces: Ensure psychological safety in your workplace by managing conflicts openly and encouraging feedback. People should feel they can speak up without fear of negative consequences.

 

Inclusive leadership is a journey that requires conscious effort and regular practice. As leaders, it’s crucial to continue learning, reflecting, and challenging ourselves to build workplaces where everyone can thrive.

 

By committing to inclusivity, leaders are not only creating stronger, more connected teams but also driving better business outcomes.

 

To continue developing your inclusive leadership skills, join us with the Inclusive Leadership Series.