You're leading a diverse team of executives. How can you create a sense of belonging among them?

And celebrate achieved milestones that pay into the shared vision so that people feel recognised and ignited, rather than burnt. That creates a joined mindset and unlocks incremental power.

In my experience, to create a sense of belonging among a diverse team of leaders, you need to focus on fostering an inclusive environment where every member feels valued and respected. Ensure that all voices are heard and valued by encouraging open communication and actively listening to different perspectives. Encourage team-building activities that build trust and rapport by setting common goals that align with team values. Provide opportunities for professional development and mentoring, recognising and celebrating the unique strengths and contributions of each leader. Fostering an atmosphere of respect, empathy and inclusion can create a strong sense of belonging among your team.

Create an inclusive team environment. Actively acknowledge and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of all members. Implement recruitment processes that prioritize diversity and inclusivity. Ensure a wide range of voices and experiences are represented. Provide equal opportunities for growth, development, and participation to all team members. Foster a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute fully.

I tend to see that as their mature responsibility to ensure they come together. In any "team", they go through four stages: Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing. The quicker they get to Performing, the better they will integrate.

Build trust by knowing your team. Take the time to know what matters to each person on the team and where they want to go. If you take an interest in helping their career, that will deepen the trust and relationship.

Create a culture of trust where team members feel safe and comfortable expressing their thoughts without fear of judgment. To achieve this, adopt a coaching leadership style that encourages open communication and empowers employees to trust in their abilities and discover their own solutions. By building trust and providing guidance, you will create a supportive atmosphere where everyone can contribute their ideas and grow together as a team.

Common goals unify teams. They offer a shared purpose that goes beyond individual differences. When diverse teams align on a common objective, collaboration, communication, and community strength are inevitable. Involve all team members in the goal-setting process to make these goals meaningful. Consult diversity councils or employee resource groups to gather varied perspectives. Set a purpose that supports the common goal. This will keep the team focused on using their diverse strengths to accomplish something impactful for the organization.

It's essential to foster collaboration among diverse executives. This is the only way to leverage their unique skills and perspectives and achieve organizational goals. Use collaboration tools like cloud-based project management software, video conferencing, and instant messaging apps to improve communication and streamline workflows. These tools bridge geographical and time zone gaps, enabling real-time interaction. Cultivate a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by ensuring team members feel safe sharing ideas without fear of judgment. Promote open dialogue to enhance understanding and respect within the team.

It is essential to recognize and celebrate team successes and collaborative efforts in order to foster a positive work environment. Acknowledging achievements boosts morale and reinforces the importance of teamwork within the organization. Celebrations can take various forms, such as team meetings, awards, or simple shout-outs. They create a sense of belonging and appreciation among team members—it's as simple as that. This practice encourages individuals to contribute more actively and collaborate with one another, because they know their efforts will be valued. Celebrating successes is the best way to strengthen relationships, cultivate a culture of teamwork, and motivate everyone to continue working together toward shared goals.