Six months into my role, my leader encouraged me to take on leading a project and share my ideas based on my observations of current processes and working methods.
Initially hesitant, I encountered challenges and brought them to my leader's attention, expecting him to provide solutions. However, he consistently asked me, "What do you propose?" This frustrated me, as I believed leaders were supposed to offer solutions ;).
Over time, I realized that I needed to formulate solutions and proposals before approaching him with issues. This shift in approach was, in my view, time-consuming but after several attempts, I became prepared and initiated discussions with my leader. I presented the problem and my proposed solution.
This time, I was ready for his response. He engaged in a thoughtful conversation, asking open questions that allowed us to explore the solution from various angles and refine it.
By the end of the meeting, I had a list of questions to answer and a sense of personal growth. I began to anticipate these meetings eagerly, as they transformed into collaborative brainstorming sessions where my opinions, creative ideas, and input were genuinely valued, respected, heard, and welcomed. In simple words, he was acting as an Inclusive Leader.
The world is changing, and that's affecting what is expected of leaders in organizations.
We can all see it happening. Things aren't as predictable as they used to be. Just sticking to a plan isn't cutting it anymore. We've realized that no one person has all the skills and smarts to know exactly what to do in every situation. To succeed in this world of constant change and complexity, companies need everyone on their team to participate, fully.
Research has shown that when we put together teams with diverse backgrounds and skills, we get a fresh perspective and ideas are bouncing around. These ideas can be used in creative ways to deal with whatever challenges come our way. Diverse teams are great at spotting the things we might miss and coming up with new and sometimes, unexpected great solutions.
But here's the catch: these benefits don't just happen by themselves. They manifest when managers and leaders actively seek out the unique perspectives and strengths of their team members and put those differences to the forefront.
So, the big question is, how can leaders get better at tapping into the full potential of everyone on their team? The answer is to lead Inclusively. I know it creates impact and I know how it feels.
Join us at The DEI Code, where we're committed to equipping leaders like you with the knowledge, skills, and tools to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.
What You'll Learn:
🌟 The Business Case for Inclusive Leadership: Discover why inclusive leadership is vital for your organization's success and your role in creating an equitable and inclusive environment.
🌟 The Secrets of Highly Inclusive Managers: Explore the common traits and practices that make highly inclusive leaders exceptionally successful.
🌟 Allyship, Psychological Safety, and Microaggressions: Gain insights into these essential concepts and learn how to embrace inclusive behaviors to model them seamlessly in your day-to-day interactions.
What You'll Gain:
🚀 Clarity on your Leadership Style: Understand your unique leadership style and walk away with effective strategies to lead inclusively
🚀 Knowledge on Promoting Belonging: Learn which behaviors foster a sense of belonging among employees, enabling them to bring their full, authentic, and productive selves to work. 🚀Tools and Resources: Leave our program with a practical toolkit and a curated list of resources to implement inclusive leadership practices effectively.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to create a workplace where everyone can thrive. 🌟 Secure your spot in our Inclusive Leadership Workshop and Consulting program today! #InclusiveLeadership #DEIMindset #DEIStartegy #ERG
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