Do you know what it’s like to be an Inclusive Leader? It means making sure that everyone in the team feels valued and respected, no matter where they come from, who they are, or what they’ve been through. Inclusive leaders are self-aware and take steps to minimize their biases. They also create a work environment where everyone can comfortably share their ideas and feedback regardless of their background, identity, or experiences.
Having inclusive leaders is super important for creating great teams and organizations. When everyone feels like they belong and are valued, they are more likely to be engaged and productive. Inclusive leaders also help make work a lot more positive, which leads to fewer people quitting and higher team member satisfaction. So, practising an inclusive leadership culture is really beneficial for any team and organization.
Here are some of the key qualities that make an inclusive leader. So, in order to be an inclusive leader, you need to have these characteristics and make them a part of your leadership style.
1. Self-awareness: An inclusive leader recognizes their own biases and figures out ways to minimize their impact. They understand how their words and actions can affect others.
2. Open to feedback: Inclusive leaders are willing to listen to their team members and their different perspectives and make changes as needed.
3. Cultural intelligence: Inclusive leaders can understand and adapt to different cultures. It involves respecting the values, beliefs, and customs of others.
4. Humility: This is essential for inclusive leadership. It means being willing to learn from others, admitting your mistakes, and taking constructive criticism.
5. Courage: Inclusive leaders have the courage and bravery to stand up for what is right and challenge the current conditions, even when it’s tough.
If you want to be an inclusive leader, you should also make a conscious effort to create a team environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Here are some additional tips to practice inclusive leadership within your team:
- Use language that is welcoming to everyone. Avoid using anything that is biased or discriminatory.
- Pay attention to your body language. Make eye contact and try not to do anything that could be seen as offensive or discriminatory.
- Respect everyone’s time and space. Don’t interrupt people and make sure you’re giving them plenty of personal space.
- Keep an open mind about diversity and inclusion. There are tons of great resources out there to help you learn more about this really important topic.
The next time you are in a team meeting, remember to create an inclusive and supportive environment. By doing so, you will help your team to thrive. Actively listen to your team members, promote diversity, and lead by example. This will help you to create a positive and productive work environment that benefits everyone.
Written By,
Manthi Gamage
Head of Journaling – Brand
AIESEC in NSBM
Desmond Doss was enlisted in the Army as a Combat Medic to fight during World War II. He had to walk into the Battle of Okinawa, a battle between the US and Japan in April 1945 at the battlefield of Maeda Escarpment, also nicknamed as Hacksaw Ridge. He was the only unarmed soldier who entered an area surrounded by deadly machine guns and landmines. His philosophy was not to kill or handle a rifle. This has been caused by the aftermath of a fight where he nearly killed his brother as a child. But he reasoned he could serve his country by saving lives as an unarmed medic.
Private Doss continues to enter the Okinawa Battle, one of the deadliest battles in history but is won by Doss’s steadfast bravery. He saved at least 75 US soldiers by carrying them on his back in the midst of the battle by hiding them from Japanese patrols. Perhaps one of the most remarkable feats of his heroism was when he lowered them down from a 400-foot cliff using nothing but ropes and his bare hands for safety. He willingly stayed on the ridge exposing himself to imminent danger, to rescue more wounded and severely injured comrades. Private Doss carried his faith in himself into the battlefield.
