Would you consider me an 'Inclusive Leader'?

Am I an Inclusive leader?

It might sound like a silly question, but we should not assume that because we are in leadership positions, it automatically qualifies us as Inclusive leaders...

I'm sure you have said or heard these phases before!!

I am an inclusive leader because I treat everyone the same; although nice words, treating everyone the same comes with many challenges when leading diverse teams.?We are not all the same, and treating us like you inadvertently erases people's races, experiences, and cultural backgrounds!?

I treat people how they treat me, and I am also very floored when dealing with people of multiple differences; how your team treat you can be driven by many factors such as culture, upbringing, insecurities, biases, and trauma.

Inclusive leadership is a leadership style that requires intention, focus and willingness to listen and learn.

You learn to lead with inclusion the more curious you are about every individual in your team, community and network.?

Would I say I'm an inclusive leader?

I aim to ensure I am conscious, including the diverse thoughts, cultures, and perspectives around me.?

Something small but significant I am working on at the moment is how I address people, both individuals and groups... Catching myself every time I say 'Hey guys or 'Crazy day'! Or shortening people's names without asking.?

As I learn how to become a more inclusive leader, I'm realising how important language is in all this!

Everyone might have a different definition of what an inclusive leader is...?

A fascinating study conducted for the CIPD defined inclusive leadership as 'Leaders who are aware of their own biases and preferences, actively seek out and consider different views and perspectives to inform better decision-making. They see diverse talent as a source of competitive advantage and inspire diverse people to drive organisational and individual performance towards a shared vision.

This particular study identified 15 core competencies that are equally required to be considered an inclusive leader...

1. Individualised Consideration - showing individual interest and offering one-to-one support to people

2. Idealised Influence - providing an appealing vision that inspires others

3. Inspirational Motivation - encouraging others to develop ideas and to be challenging

4. Intellectual Stimulation - encouraging creative thinking

5. Unqualified Acceptance - showing acceptance of everyone without bias

6. Empathy - being able to appreciate the perspective of others and endeavouring to understand how others feel

7. Listening - truly listening to the opinions of others

8. Persuasion - having an influence on people's actions without force or coercion

9. Confidence Building - providing positive feedback to boost people's self-efficacy

10. Growth - providing opportunities for all employees to realise potential, make autonomous and unique contributions

and progress with the organisation

11. Foresight - being able to consider the views of others about possible outcomes

12. Conceptualisation - being able to focus on how employees contribute to long-term objectives

13. Awareness - having self-awareness of how preconceived views can influence behaviour towards others

14. Stewardship - showing a commitment to leading by serving others for the good of everyone rather than for self-gain

15. Healing - showing respect for the well-being of all employees

"So if I act out these 15 behaviours, I'll be an inclusive leader."?

Nope! I really like this list and think this study was constructive, but it didn't address the in the room for me….

To be an inclusive leader, you first must examine your biases, all of them, even the ones you may wish to forget, the ones your parents taught you, the ones you have because of privilege, religion, social class or racism…

We don't talk enough about the process of unlearning!?

How do you unlearn something so ingrained? by replacing the belief system that you created it in the first place?

Full transparency, there has been so much I had had to unlearn that I was told when I was younger that now as I experience the world for myself, I know it isn't true.?

Having to check myself can be difficult because I naturally want to believe what I was taught, but the reality is that I was misinformed about many things. Now that I am an inclusive leader, it's my job to ask questions, seek out new people who bring diverse experiences that continue to challenge me, and allow myself to be vulnerable enough to admit when I offend or get it wrong!!

Anyway, this was a post that turned into an article lol.

I hope my perspective has challenged you to sit for the next 5 minutes and do some self-reflective work!

So ask yourself, am I an inclusive leader?

Let me know if you are and why in the comments!

Hannah A?

*Full article from the CIPD in the comments

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