The Power of Inclusion
Dave Poling
On a mission to develop authentic leaders, build strong cultures, and help others realize the life they want
Early in my career, I lacked inclusive leadership skills. However, realizing that building elite teams required it, I embarked on a journey to develop this skill, aiming to foster faster growth and create more opportunities for everyone. I discovered that inclusion demands intentionality and is a crucial leadership skill for transforming teams. Without it, building great companies becomes a challenging endeavor.
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One undeniable benefit of inclusion lies in its impact on problem-solving. Diverse perspectives foster innovation and lead to better, more comprehensive solutions. Collaborating individuals from varied backgrounds bring a wealth of ideas and experiences to the table, creating a dynamic environment that breeds creativity. According to a Harvard Business Review study, inclusive teams solve problems faster than homogenous ones, with diverse teams outperforming non-diverse ones in decision-making close to 87% of the time.
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Moreover, inclusion acts as a catalyst for heightened productivity. When team members feel valued and included, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. This sense of belonging translates into a motivated workforce, driving efficiency and achieving better results collectively. According to a McKinsey report, inclusive teams are 33% more productive than their non-inclusive counterparts.
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Inclusive leadership also nurtures stronger leaders within the team. By recognizing and leveraging the strengths of each team member, leaders build robust and resilient leadership pipelines. This not only enhances individual skills but also fosters an atmosphere of mentorship and continuous learning.
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A culture of inclusion contributes to the overall health of an organization. It diminishes conflicts, builds trust, and enhances communication. Inclusive environments promote respect and understanding, reducing workplace stress and nurturing employee well-being.
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Ultimately, the impact of inclusion extends beyond the confines of a team, positively affecting the entire company. Organizations that prioritize inclusion and diversity attract top talent, enhance their reputation, and stand out as industry leaders. Inclusive companies tend to be more adaptable, better equipped to navigate challenges, and ultimately more successful.
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In conclusion, inclusion can't be merely a topic of discussion; it must be a strategic priority we care enough about to act on. When we prioritize inclusivity, we shape elite teams and build wildly successful companies. As a leader, embracing and championing inclusion isn't just a responsibility—it's the right thing to do, and it will pay dividends in the form of innovative solutions, heightened productivity, strong leadership, a healthy culture, and ultimately, a great company.
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Delivery Manager at TEKsystems
1 年Thanks for sharing Dave Poling! I appreciate your inclusion as we go through one of the biggest changes a lot of us have seen. Your authenticity and vulnerability helps us become better leaders to our teams. Thanks for leading the way!
Believer in People & Their Potential | High Performing Team Builder | Innovative Problem Solver | Collaborative Connector
1 年Great article Dave Poling. Your inclusiveness has accelerated the growth and development of our team and provided countless opportunities for us to get out of our comfort zones and become more experienced, knowledgeable, and well-rounded leaders. It is the multiplier effect where we are all learning & growing from each other & working cohesively towards a common mission and goal. "Inclusive leadership also nurtures stronger leaders within the team. By recognizing and leveraging the strengths of each team member, leaders build robust and resilient leadership pipelines. This not only enhances individual skills but also fosters an atmosphere of mentorship and continuous learning."
Director of Delivery at TEKsystems
1 年Thanks Dave Poling I really enjoyed this article. Being on your team for 6 months this year, I've certainly felt the intentionality around building an and fostering an inclusive team. The facts you shared in this article are undeniable and quite remarkable!
Director of Recruiting Strategy for TEKsystems
1 年Great article! Having been a part of many of those inclusive teams, not only has it made me feel like a big part of the decision making process, but it developed me in more ways then one and allowed me to level up my own decision making and planning abilities. Thank you for leading the way!
Great read Dave Poling . I'm so grateful to have been on this journey together. As you mentioned we still have plenty of meaningful work to do but it starts with awareness.