New Leaders: First Steps to Creating Space for Everyone

?Written by Doreen MacAulay

This PRIDE month we aim to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community.?Regardless of whether you identify as a member of the community, there are meaningful actions you can take to foster a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone. At WellsQuest this commitment means listening to learn, creating a space for everyone’s voice, being visible and vocal, advocating training and support, and promoting equal opportunities within the workplace.??

For new or aspiring leaders, balancing these inclusivity goals with other responsibilities such as strategizing, budgeting, leading and inspiring teams, and enforcing policies can seem daunting. So here are three (3) easy things you can do to help you down the path of creating an inclusion culture:?

1. Practice active listening: Understand what is being communicated to you. You do not have all the answers, no one expects you to always get it right the first time.?Asking questions and seeking clarification demonstrates a commitment to being well-informed, not a sign of weakness.???
2. Create space for everyone’s voice: Pay attention not only to who and what is being said to you, but who and what is not being said to you. If you are not hearing from someone, invite them into the conversation.?Schedule time to engage with all team members to ensure diverse perspectives are included.??
3. Educate yourself: Be open to understanding the biases affecting the lived experiences of those identifying with the LGBTQ+ community. Learn about what identity barriers they face and find ways to help remove these obstacles within your workplace.??

By actively listening, ensuring every voice is heard, and educating ourselves, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.?