My Second LinkedIn Audio Event

I have spoken with many leaders, but none quite like Tretha Harris. An inclusive leader working behind the scenes who is determined to uplift others rather than herself. Getting her to talk about herself or her work was more challenging. However, the Award Winning Higher Education Executive and Change Management Consultant delivered a masterclass on "Inclusive Leadership."

My notes below!

(Not all six pages, though).

Key Quote:

"If you build inclusive environments, people will show up and stay." -Tretha Harris

How she changes the Community, Workplace, and World.

When asked how she is changing the world, she let me know the strategic efforts focused on Higher Education and existential literacy needs (housing, reading, and writing). She has a book list shared monthly on LinkedIn for her community. According to Tretha, she reads 200 books a year, focusing on inclusive leadership and educational growth. Tretha also brings change by presenting her transformational leadership work at major conferences. The biggest of all is her commitment to Re-Entry work programming and resource provision with the Florida Justice Center, serving on the Board of Directors.

Background:

Humble beginnings. No stranger to poverty or homelessness. Food was scarce from the rural to the hood neighborhoods, but she kept her vision of always wanting better. Now, Tretha is on a mission to help others with similar backgrounds. Deploying faith and grit, Tretha is the family's first high school and college graduate. She is the first to receive her Master's and is now in a Doctoral Program. Tretha is a trendsetter and chainbreaker for her family.

Inclusive Leadership Maturity.

When it's time to work, Tretha believes Inclusive leaders always ask: "Who doesn't have access?" when creating business initiatives and programming. The importance of fostering growth and reaching full potential is built on understanding and a collective approach. Accessibility must be a vital part of the initiative.

The Good Soil of Inclusive Leadership

We moved the conversation into the good soil of an Inclusive leader. Inclusive leaders are driven by their values rather than the organization's. There is less chance of compromise on personal values as they are naturally embedded into the leader. Active listening is in the good soil of an inclusive leader. Active listening will bring understanding.

Inclusive leaders speak the inclusive language of "We" and not "I." Lastly, Inclusive leaders never focus on their success once they have made it. Tretha believes it is a waste of time to build yourself up. Empower a new space for more to experience success as they see it.

Maturity in inclusive leadership is shown through unwavering commitment to values, listening to understand, and adopting a 'we' rather than an 'I' perspective. - Tretha Harris

Lens of Inclusive Execution

We discussed techniques. A big key to her success is optimizing talent placement. Tretha gave a masterclass on retention. I wish you were in the room. Tretha also pointed out that training and facilitating leadership is crucial for inclusive leaders.

Observation on future trends:

An interesting thought from Tretha on future trends was the impact of organizations going through a subtle movement she defined as the "Unloyal Workforce." How the mishandling of employees is permanently forged in their memory -causing them to uproot and depart from your organization. Her examples span from dehumanizing workforces by Zoom call layoffs, additional layoffs without dignity, security called in offices at the most vulnerable times, etc. Super interesting. According to Tretha, we have lost our dignity in separation.

Optimism about upcoming generations:

The upcoming generations inspire Tretha. She believes they bring talent, drive, authenticity, and truth-telling. It's a new day. The era of command and control is over. The leadership style that will be effective is one of authenticity. They know when you are not authentic.

Encouragement for current leaders:

Tretha believes that all genuine inclusive leaders must start making room for everyone and consider when you were included and how it made you feel. Inclusive leaders must drill down to the bottom and do what is right for their teams, families, and organizations.

Tretha Harris - This recap barely serves justice to your wisdom today, but it is the least I could do for the caliber leader you are! Thank you.

Brentley