5 Tips to Building an Inclusive Leadership Team

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In today's diverse and multicultural world, building an inclusive leadership team is a crucial step towards creating a work environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported. An inclusive leadership team is one that encourages diversity of thought, backgrounds, and experiences, and leverages these differences to drive innovation, creativity, and growth. As DEI Leader Jamile Cruz of I&D101 shares, "This isn't an Organic Change and there is no magic pill. The creation of an Inclusive Culture requires an all hands approach, with a clear story line that all employees can understand and that leaders are excited to own, and defined metrics placed to measure progress and allow for adjustments in corrections along the way."

Related: The Inclusion Notebook - Diversity and Inclusivity Training Workbook

Here are five tips on how to build an inclusive leadership team:

1. Define what inclusive leadership means 

Inclusive leadership means different things to different people. Before you start building your team, take some time to define what inclusive leadership means to you. Consider how you can create an environment where everyone's ideas and opinions are valued, where everyone has a seat at the table, and where everyone can bring their full selves to work. 

2. Recruit diverse talent

To build an inclusive team, you need to recruit a diverse group of talented individuals. This means looking beyond traditional hiring methods and reaching out to underrepresented groups in your industry. Be intentional about creating job descriptions that attract diverse candidates, and consider using blind screening techniques to eliminate any unconscious biases in the hiring process.  Diversity is not just racial. Examples of diversity includes age, work experience, gender identity, disability, religion, socioeconomic status, language and more. A great way to increase cultural diversity is to ask for referrals and do job fairs in areas more populated by people of color and diverse people. 

3. Foster a culture of inclusion

Creating a culture of inclusion starts from the top down. As a leader, it's essential to model inclusive behavior and set the tone for your team. Encourage open communication, active listening, and respect for different opinions and perspectives. Ensure that your team is aware of your commitment to diversity and inclusion, and hold yourself and others accountable for creating an inclusive work environment. 

4. Provide training and development opportunities

Providing training and development opportunities for your team is an excellent way to foster a culture of inclusion. This can include diversity and inclusion training, leadership development programs, and mentoring or coaching opportunities. By investing in your team's professional development, you show that you value their growth and are committed to helping them succeed.

Related: The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

5. Encourage feedback and transparency

To build the team you want, you need to encourage feedback and transparency. Create an environment where your team feels comfortable providing feedback and raising concerns. Consider conducting anonymous surveys or focus groups to gather input from your team, and be transparent about how you plan to address any issues that arise. You also need to create safety systems so people can express when they have any problems and get them solved without feeling like they will be punished for doing so.

Related: What is Impostor Syndrome

In conclusion, building an inclusive leadership team requires a commitment to diversity and inclusion, intentional recruitment efforts, and a culture of inclusion. By following these tips, you can create a team that is diverse but also high-performing, innovative, and successful.