Lean Quote: Inclusive Leadership is Not a Destination, Six Traits of an Inclusive Leader

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Inclusive leadership is not a destination. It's a journey that requires humility, curiosity and courage."   —  Thais Compoint

Thoughtful organizational missions, policies and practices are essential for inclusivity, but it ultimately comes down to individual leaders. Managers’ words and actions have the most impact on employees. People who feel genuinely included collaborate more effectively and are more inclined to share ideas and opinions. 

Research by Deloitte University found that inclusive leaders share six core traits:  

1) Make visible commitments 

We need to be visibly talking about inclusivity and diversity, and go beyond the rhetoric. Challenging the status quo is an important mindset to have if we are going to make inroads against the way things have always been. 

2) Have a degree of humility 

We cannot know all the answers, and there is no disgrace in saying we need help. If you make a mistake or don’t know, ask others for help and really listen deeply to those who may have ideas for us. 

3) Be aware of any unconscious biases that may exist 

We all have blind spots, so becoming aware of them helps us and others to deal with issues without them staying in the background. If we can identify what may constitute our biases, we stand a greater chance of moving away from poor judgement and getting better results. 

4) Maintain a curious nature 

Being open-minded and great listeners embody a good quality inclusive leader, and it’s vital that these aspects turn into strengths for us. Show empathy on a regular basis, building quality learning attributes that allow you to show quality attributes at all times. 

5) Be sensitive to differences 

Our workforce is comprised of varying genders, ages, religions, races, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds We need be sensitive to our cultural difference and adapt to accommodate and include them. 

6) Encourage effective collaboration 

People who feel genuinely included collaborate more effectively and are more inclined to share ideas and opinions. Inclusive leaders empower teams by encouraging diversity of thought, psychological safety and team cohesion.  

Just these six won’t make you an overall inclusive leader. But they will go a long way in assisting you to develop the awareness that’s needed to create a mindset that is driven towards that kind of mindset.