Let’s imagine this situation: a company that operates in the technology field is planning an important project that involves multidisciplinary teams, including developers, designers, salespeople and communication specialists. The project leader adopts a series of strategies that aim to achieve a diversity of skills and perspectives within the team, without negatively impacting the behavior of employees and the development of the project , and maintaining the normal flow of activities and the achievement of work goals. This situation is called inclusive leadership.
But what, in fact, is inclusive leadership?
Inclusive leadership is one in which the leader takes into account and values the opinions of their members, opening space for them to openly express their opinions and contribute and participate actively in the organization’s day-to-day processes Inclusive leadership creates a light and motivating environment in the organization because, when employees, members or employees of an organization have the opportunity to actively participate and have the freedom to express themselves and communicate their problems or doubts, they truly feel like an integral part of the organization.
In inclusive leadership, leaders do not just stick to their ideas, but are always open to hearing a different point of view and considering the opinion of those they lead. Another great characteristic of inclusive leadership is the breaking down of barriers, especially communication barriers, because due to the leader’s openness in listening to his employees, they feel free to approach him and give an opinion on a given situation.
This inclusive leadership approach allows the team to make the most of the diversity of talents and experiences, resulting in better results for the organization. Returning, for example, to our initial situation, what are the strategies that an inclusive leader can employ?
One of the first challenges that inclusive leadership must resolve are communication challenges. By promoting open communication , for example by holding regular meetings to ensure that all team members have an equal voice and opportunity to contribute ideas and suggestions or raise concerns. In this way, the leader establishes an environment where communication is encouraged and valued.
Another concern for inclusive leadership is clarity in defining goals . The inclusive leader works together with the team to define the goals and objectives of the project, ensuring that everyone has a clear and shared understanding of what is intended to be achieved. These goals must take into account the different skills, knowledge and experience of the work team members.
The inclusion of different perspectives is also another concern of inclusive leadership. An inclusive leader recognizes that diversity of perspectives is an advantage and actively encourages the contribution of each team member. He values divergent ideas and seeks to integrate them constructively into the decision-making process.
Personal development and feedback : The leader provides guidance and development opportunities to team members, recognizing that each person has unique skills they can contribute. He offers constructive feedback and encourages everyone’s growth.
The last strategy, but not least, is promoting equality . An inclusive leader must be proactive in promoting equal opportunities, ensuring that there is no discrimination based on gender, race, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. It creates an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Inclusive leadership plays a fundamental role in the success of an organization, and the practices or strategies exemplified illustrate its importance. By promoting inclusion, the leader is, in fact, investing in strengthening the team and improving the project’s results. But how is it possible to promote or encourage this type of leadership?
Firstly, the emphasis must be focused on education. Training on diversity and inclusion issues is essential as this will increase staff awareness and promote understanding of issues related to inclusion. When team members understand why inclusion is important, they are more likely to adopt inclusive practices in their daily work.
Furthermore, the leader must establish an environment where diversity of skills and perspectives is valued . This means that you will have to create an environment dedicated to professional support and development, where everyone feels empowered to contribute fully, which in turn will strengthen bonds within the team and equally increase member commitment and satisfaction.
A review of company policies and the promotion of equal opportunities will also demonstrate a clear commitment to equity. This not only attracts diverse talent, but also creates an environment where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed.
Finally, when recruiting new members, the leader must ensure that diversity is prioritized from the beginning, creating a diverse team from scratch. This not only contributes to a more inclusive environment, but also improves decision-making and drives innovation.
Overall, these practices are essential for promoting inclusive leadership in an organization. They not only create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, but they also promote innovation, productivity and the drive for results, demonstrating that investing in inclusive leadership is a valuable strategic investment.