Executive Spotlight: How To Foster An Inclusive Workplace
A diverse and inclusive workplace is one where all employees feel safe, respected, valued, appreciated, and empowered. In today's world, an inclusive workplace is essential for business success because inclusion improves team performance, productivity, and innovation through connection and a sense of belonging. How can leaders create and foster inclusion in the workplace for better employee satisfaction and business success?
We recently asked our leading executives how they foster an inclusive workplace.
Here are their responses...
Ana Smith, Leadership Development & Learning Strategist
As a leader, creating and fostering an inclusive workplace is crucial for ensuring a diverse and harmonious work environment where every employee feels valued and respected and has equal opportunities to succeed. This is a framework that I have used to promote inclusivity in the organizations/teams that I've led, and had been part of:
Remember, creating an inclusive workplace is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort, education, and commitment from leadership. By following this framework and making diversity and inclusion a priority, you can foster an environment where all employees feel valued, empowered, and able to reach their full potential.
Ana Smith helps people & organizations achieve their full talent potential by developing and co-creating people strategies and customized solutions, and turning them into impactful outcomes and collaborative relationships, using coaching as the "red thread."
Kirsten Yurich, Executive Coach & Vistage ChairImage from Bigstock
"Who and what is most important to you as a leader? Why does an 'inclusive workplace' matter to you? How would you know if you had one? Where do you feel included (where do you not feel included), personally?"
These are the questions I would ask any leader who wishes to have a more inclusive workplace. Words are labels. We must dive under the label and describe what we want, what we don't want, and what we would see and hear (maybe even FEEL) under each condition.
This reflective work is a prerequisite to implementing any program—especially an inclusion program. The steps of a program are less important than the WHY and the motivation for undertaking the effort. For instance, a CEO who begrudgingly carries out an inclusion plan to appease her board of directors will have vastly different outcomes than a small-business owner who invites employees into his office on a routine basis and solicits feedback about their experience as an employee.
Leaders make the weather. What weather do you create at work for those around you?
Kirsten Yurich is a former CEO and current Vistage Chair. As a clinician, professor, author, and executive, she leverages this unique blend and creates learning environments for executives to become better leaders, spouses, and parents.
Michael Willis, Sports Business Operations ExecutiveImage from Bigstock
What does inclusion in the workplace mean?
Inclusion in the workplace means ensuring every employee—from vast backgrounds and demographics—feels a sense of belonging and appreciation.
People of all different races, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations can work together.
An inclusive workplace makes space for the people who make up the workforce to celebrate who they are without ridicule or judgment.
Working at the NFL, particularly in New York City, I have been exposed to a wide range of diversity in the workplace. There are many races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations in the office, and the NFL does a great job of embracing groups of all kinds.
The NFL embraces heritage months and recognizes food cultures in the cafeteria. The league allows time off for employees to celebrate religious holidays and events.
We have a long way to go when it comes to this topic. But we can:
Michael Willis has 18+ years of experience working with accounting & sports organizations and has managed P&Ls of $10M - $125M+ with budgets of $3M-$50M+. He worked for the NFL for 22 1/2 years, mainly with the game officials working on the financial/accounting side of the business.
Lisa Perry, Global Marketing ExecutiveImage from Bigstock
In today’s diverse and interconnected world, creating an inclusive workplace is the right thing to do and a strategic imperative for organizations. As a leader, you can shape the culture and dynamics of your immediate work environment. Promoting inclusivity can create a space where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered. Here are various things I do to foster an inclusive workplace within my marketing department:
Fostering an inclusive workplace within your department requires conscious effort and dedication. Remember, building an inclusive workplace is a continuous journey that requires ongoing commitment and active participation from all team members.
Lisa Perry helps companies build leadership brands, driving loyal customers & delivering profitability. She does this through a process that builds brands consumers love. Her goal is to help companies develop, monetize, and grow their brands.
How do you foster inclusion in the workplace? Join the conversation inside Work It Daily's Executive Program.
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Originally posted on: https://www.workitdaily.com/foster-inclusion-in-the-workplace