Here are 4 qualities of inclusive leadership that will help inspire your team to feel like they belong and encourage increased productivity and a spirit of collaboration.

Cultural intelligence, respecting individuality because different ideas and experiences enable growth. Inclusive leaders who value cultural differences, defy ethnocentric tendencies that cause people to judge other cultures as inferior to their own and enable them to build stronger connections with people from different backgrounds. Employees who say they feel respected are more satisfied with their jobs and more grateful for and loyal to their companies. They are more resilient, cooperate more with others, perform better and more creatively, and are more likely to take direction from their leaders.  

Adaptability, an inclusive leader proactively adjusts their leadership approach and adapts workplace practices to meet the needs of others, as appropriate. For example, using Vak learning styles, inclusive leaders can tailor their leadership style to ensure each person on the team has the tools and resources they need to learn in the way they learn best. Similarly, when it comes to interpersonal communication, inclusive leaders recognize that some people rely on face-to-face conversation to receive direction, while others respond best to email or other written instruction.

It’s important to note that being adaptable doesn’t mean that leaders fundamentally change who they are or rewrite the goals of the team. Leaders can prove their adaptability by remaining flexible and being open to making adjustments that enable others to perform at their best.

Collaboration because having a diverse-thinking team is greater than the sum of its parts. As an inclusive leader, it’s our job to create those opportunities for our teams and to put in place regular cadences, events and opportunities to enable this. Creating the conditions for the sharing of ideas, resources, and energy lets your high team performance through individuals have the confidence to speak up and the motivation to do their best work. Empowering a team is absolutely the fastest way to succeed.

Creating a sense of belonging is strongly correlated with higher employee engagement. By cultivating a strong sense of team and belonging, inclusive leaders open the door for employees to feel a greater sense of commitment and motivation to do great work and achieve success for the team. Developing a shared vision for the team that everyone can rally around. Encouraging employees to get to know each other as people and form relationships through common goals or interests. Routinely communicating to individuals that they are valued and wanted on the team, and demonstrating this by asking for their input and feedback when appropriate.

We hope you enjoyed reading our 4 Qualities Of Inclusive Leadership if you would like to learn more on how to engage your team, book in for a live demo.