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LEADING BY INCLUSION: A ROAD FORWARD
Author(s) -
Helgesen Sally
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
leader to leader
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1531-5355
pISSN - 1087-8149
DOI - 10.1002/ltl.20562
Subject(s) - inclusion (mineral) , diversity (politics) , workforce , set (abstract data type) , social connectedness , public relations , active listening , psychology , political science , sociology , social psychology , computer science , law , communication , programming language
The author states that inclusive leadership is necessary for leading in the next 25 years, which will continue to be complex and unpredictable. In looking at links between diversity and inclusion, the author shows the difference in these terms: “Diversity describes the reality of today's global workforce: demographic diversity, but also diversity of values, beliefs and experiences. Inclusion describes the set of practices required to successfully lead this diverse workforce.” Several “tough truths” are examined; which in the author's words are: (1) Inclusion can only be demonstrated by inclusive behaviors. (2) Inclusive behaviors must be demonstrated at the leadership level. (3) Leaders who practice inclusion must hold those who report to them to account for doing so as well. The author says that she can “recommend three inclusive leadership practices that help mitigate against stress and position organizations to thrive, even in times of crisis.” These are, in her words: (1) Strengthen connectedness. (2) Practice advanced listening. (3) Be real. She concludes that the “only reliable way leaders can foster the robust and creative participation needed to thrive under such conditions is to lead in a way that enables their people to feel safe, seen and valued.”