An increasingly diverse society calls for inclusive leadership

With the many changes that have occurred over the past few years, we're now living in an increasingly diverse society. Now picture this, as a leader, not only do you have to adapt to an ever-evolving world but you're also tasked with the responsibility of helping others to do the same.

An article by Deloitte Insights summarises this aptly by stating, 'For leaders who have perfected their craft in a more homogenous environment, rapid adjustment is in order. Of course, the core aspects of leadership, such as setting direction and influencing others, are timeless, but we see a new capability that is vital to the way leadership is executed.'

They identified that new capacity as the need for inclusive leadership which involves adopting certain mindsets and behaviors.

The benefits of inclusive leadership

Practicing inclusive leadership will positively impact other employees at the company. It helps to improve communication and offers a greater sense of understanding. What's more is that beyond the interpersonal benefits, inclusiveness directly improves performance. Those under inclusive leadership were 17% more likely to report that they are high performing, 20% more likely to note that they make high-quality decisions and 29% more likely to report collaborative behavior.

Additionally, research has shown that as much as seventy-eight percent (78%) of people believe diversity and inclusion are a competitive advantage. Failure to adapt therefore means that you risk falling behind as a company by losing touch with current and potential employees as well as customers and clients.

The traits of an inclusive leader

After 20 years of experience as an international organizational development consultant specializing in leadership development, diversity and inclusion, I've come to understand what it takes to be an inclusive leader.

I also believe that a good leader is an inclusive leader because it's someone who recognizes the importance of adapting to diverse perspectives, learning styles and ways of thinking

Whether you're examining the leadership style of a company or striving to become a more inclusive leader, here are my top 3 recommendations:

1) Be diverse as an individual

Before you're defined as a leader, you're a person with your own upbringing, ways of thinking and experiences. However, whether or not you are part of a minority or diverse group, inclusivity goes beyond that. It means developing an open mindset for diversity and one way to do that is by first being diverse as an individual. That will then influence how you talk, think and act.

Start by being curious about others and respectfully going beyond surface-level information to truly get to know them without judgment. You will gain an understanding of different languages, cultures and beliefs outside of your own. Then, you'd find that even without having first-hand experience, you'll be able to examine life through different lenses.

This is also beneficial when it comes to relying on the experiences and strengths of those under your leadership. For example, having the understanding that an autistic individual connects with others in a different way will let you know that they may not necessarily want to be the one hosting a meeting or company event.

2) Always be authentic

Demonstrating a visible commitment to inclusivity will not go unnoticed but it also has to be authentic. Any attempt to encourage inclusion doesn't mean agreeing with everything that everyone says or does but it helps to be able to talk about them. Not to mention that a lack of authenticity may even have the opposite effect than you intended as people often see through these tactics.

Rather, remember that it is in fact possible to hold firm to your own beliefs while also respecting someone else's way of life and perspectives.

• Keep the following in mind:
• Ask questions that show genuine concern
• Avoid pretense
• Give realistic responses regarding your way of thinking
• Be respectful and tactful when sharing an opposing point of view
• Be open to feedback

3) Don't shy away from the hard conversations

Being an inclusive leader is no easy feat but it won't help to shy away from the hard conversations. Part of being a great leader is knowing how to lead yourself which means exercising courage and being patient with yourself and others.

Be open to hearing the perspectives of those around you but also respectfully and openly share your thoughts. Try as much as possible to be fully present in every conversation and lean into the discomfort.

In the end, you will help to create psychological safety for others to also feel comfortable having difficult conversations and expressing their true feelings.