Fostering Inclusion & Belonging

Good leaders know the value of a diverse team. They seek to include a wide range of talents, skills, experience, viewpoints, and backgrounds. They appreciate the value each gender brings to the table and welcome opinions and ideas that are different from their own. 

Today’s guided insight centers around the value of diversity and inclusion and the benefits that are derived from a well-rounded team.

0:00:00 - Introduction & Show Framing
0:00:17 - Why Diversity & Inclusion Matter (Definition + Purpose)
0:02:00 - Leaders’ Responsibility & Harm of Hostility/Exclusion
0:03:30 - Practical Inclusion Actions for Leaders
0:04:30 - Guided Mindfulness / Mantra Practice: “Everyone Belongs”
0:06:15 - Reflection, Daily Application & Outro

To get the most out of these learnings, download the free workbook I created that guides you deeper into each practice. https://innertelligencecoaching.com/on-your-way-in-workbook/

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Welcome to the podcast On Your Way In, where I provide quick and actionable insights for intentional leaders. I'm your host, Sarah Harvey. Today's guided insight centers around the value of diversity and inclusion. Professionally, the purpose of diversity and inclusion is to encourage the expression of a wide range of talents, skills, experience, and viewpoints within a company from a broad spectrum of human beings. As a leader, you may have a tendency to attract people to your team who are a lot like you. And in truth, there can be comfort in having people agree with you, think like you, and even look like you. The challenge is that this sameness is getting you quite literally more of the same. While we as individuals are not necessarily well-rounded in all areas, teams certainly can be if they're thoughtfully designed. It's essential for every team member who is represented in your company's organizational chart to feel fully like they belong and provide value. And creating this sense of belonging and inclusion is an ongoing organizational practice. Unfortunately, your efforts to make everyone feel welcome and included can go right out the window. If you think prioritizing diversity and inclusion is not your responsibility, or a more confrontational, closed-minded, or even hostile coworker enters the mix. In a truly inclusive work environment, hostile, closed-minded attitudes and behaviors are not tolerated. People are called out when they behave in this manner and held accountable for their actions. And that is your responsibility as a leader. Your organization could also have underlying gender, cultural, racial, or religious issues that may not be obviously apparent at first glance. As leaders, it's our responsibility to not only be aware of these things, but to actively root them out and address them immediately. When team dynamics come into play, some of these situations can be challenging to work through, especially if they've gone under the radar or have been tolerated for any length of time. But acknowledging and tackling them with honesty and humility will ultimately lead to a stronger bond between you and your staff and your staff members with one another, creating a more welcoming and productive culture. If employees are worried about alienation, intimidation, or hostility from peers, even if it's a subtle undercurrent, their ability to work efficiently and effectively goes right out the window. Don't let the negative consequences of exclusivity take your culture down with it. Inclusivity is what's needed for employees to thrive. The bottom line is this: diverse humans are needed to solve diverse challenges. Cultivate diversity and promote inclusion. When your team members feel supported and valued for their strengths, they can and will want to give their best. Take a moment to check in. How do you contribute to encouraging diversity and making others feel welcome and included in your workspace? Here are a few simple things you can start to do right away to take a step in the right direction. Create a safe environment for your employees to share their ideas and concerns. Regularly voice your appreciation for someone who thinks differently than you do. Ensure that you and your organization are actively recruiting and welcoming a diverse workforce that may look and think very differently than you. Become aware of your biases and the stories you tell yourself about who belongs and who should be included. Welcoming diversity and nurturing inclusion give the opportunity for everyone to contribute and provide value for optimal outcomes. Now I'm going to ask you to close your eyes if you're in a place that's safe to do so. Soften your facial muscles, lengthen the back of your neck by tucking your chin just slightly. Sit up nice and straight while dropping your shoulders down to create more comfort in your body. Uncross your legs so your feet are flat on the floor. And place your hands open on your lap with your palms facing up. Now, silently begin to repeat the insight. Allow this insight to be gentle and easy, almost as if it's floating by on a cloud, just drifting by. For the next minute, let this insight be your primary thought. In my world, everyone belongs and everyone is needed. When you hear a soft chime, stop repeating the insight and be still with your eyes closed. In my world, everyone belongs and everyone is needed. Today and every day, notice how your thoughts, choices, and actions influence diversity and inclusion. Ask those around you if they feel valued by you and their coworkers. Consider diversity as an advantage on your team and welcome those who have something different to offer. Make it your mission to cultivate a safe, welcoming and appreciative space for everyone you interact with. Then, watch engagement improve right alongside your bottom line. Above all, remember, before you go out, go in. Thanks for joining me on this episode of On Your Way In. Remember, leadership isn't something you perform, it's something you embody. The more you go inward, the more effective, present, and resilient you become. If today's guided insight was helpful, take a moment to reflect, integrate, and lead using the innate wisdom within you. You can also download the full workbook in the show notes to deepen your practice. Until next time, remember before you go out, go in.