What are the qualities of an inclusive leader?

No one should try to be something they’re not, this holds true for both individuals and leaders. 

It is important bearing this in mind when we delve into what is inclusive leadership. For the most part, nothing beats authenticity when it comes to our relationships with others in the workplace. It is never wise to try and fit into any artificial “mould”, even when we see that a particular style, characteristic or quality may be beneficial in enhancing our contribution or performance in a particular area. 

It is never easy to walk in someone else’s shoes. The real benefit of online leadership and management training is to begin to understand the possibilities of our own unique capabilities that are aligned with inclusive leadership principles.

When we look at relationship credibility, there are some critical markers. The Key is leadership intent. People need to believe that leaders are not doing things for underlying reasons. The work that the leader serves others in support of the collective vision of what will be in the mutual interests of all.

Honesty before everything

People will ask themselves some fundamental questions about leaders: 

• Can I trust this person? 

• Does this person genuinely care about me and the others? 

• Do they actually respect me, my views, opinions and contribution? 

• Can I count on them for support? 

• Do they care about my potential?

• Will they give me the opportunity to own results and outcomes?

These kinds of questions and their answers will shape interactions and the level of engagement achieved within the relationship. This assessment is never static and will shift and evolve as the relationship grows and matures. We need to be aware that as leaders our integrity is always to some extent in question.

Psychological safety training will help leaders and employees to delve deeper into why grappling with these questions and issues are so important. The complexity of our responses is better understood when we operate on an entirely rational and logical level. 

Looking back on our past experiences is a critical factor in how we relate to others. Leaders learn to look more critically at themselves and less critically at others. This is a central shift in achieving the humility needed to lead others with a deep understanding of the real challenge of transforming ourselves to be better aligned to our more noble aspirations.

When we seek to be inclusive leaders it is never merely the act of not excluding others based on their diversity. It is a proactive desire to facilitate the comprehensive participation of others, on an equal footing, in all aspects of the relationship and work context. 

Others need to have a sense of being welcome, belonging and encouraged. There is no recipe for this.

It’s very personal

Each leader needs to develop the relevant insights into individuals within their sphere of influence to determine how best they can help to achieve this based on their own personal strengths and what they have to offer on a complimentary basis. 

Online leadership training will focus on giving ideas and best practices in this regard. It is up to the leader however to utilize this learning in a way that is optimal situationally and given their reading of the personality and qualities of all those on the team. 

To get this right a leader needs to become comfortable with more intimate relationships within the workspace where they get to know people as people in the first instance rather than simply colleagues and associates or employees.

We will have come to a purer understanding of what is inclusive leadership when we see that the free expression of each individual’s uniqueness is a thing to be most valued and prized. This acceptance is empowering in that it allows us to transition to embracing people for who they are as they continue to grow and change to the beat of their own drums. 

The establishment of relational satisfaction through authentic inclusive leadership will liberate the workplace to become a place where it is positive to unleash one’s energy and creativity because it is always appreciated and never wasted.

In inclusive leadership, we are no longer preoccupied with achieving sameness. We have come to terms with the knowledge that it is better to understand uniqueness and strive to gain increasing insights into others that will give us an opportunity to celebrate their worth and our association with them.  

So, what is inclusive leadership? It’s about making the leaders of the future.

“We can better define who we are if we distinguish ourselves from others” 

Kets de Vries, 2001.