I am enrolled in NYU’s Global Inclusive Leadership Management Institute. For those not familiar with it, it is a three-part course that examines the role inclusive leadership plays in achieving inclusion, diversity, belonging, and equity within the work environment. I believe that one should never stop learning, whether we take advantage of formal programs like GILMI or learn more informally.
I have two observations from my first session. The first is that inclusive leadership is good leadership. Good leaders understand and leverage the varied skills and talents of everyone. They also ensure that everyone on their team feels valued and a sense of belonging. I believe that every good leader is an inclusive leader and no one can be a good leader without being an inclusive leader.
My other observation is that leaders are only part of the solution. Everyone plays an important part in creating an inclusive team where each person has a strong sense of belonging. As I have said before, I like the “Platinum Rule.” The “Golden Rule” says that you should treat others as you would like to be treated. The “Platinum Rule” says that you should treat others the way they want to be treated. This implies that you understand who they are. Understanding others is the key to building and maintaining strong relationships. As we continue in hybrid mode, with many meetings on Zoom this becomes more of a challenge.
Even when we were all in the office every day, it took a deliberate effort to get to know others and make them feel that they belong. As we have more remote teammates and work in a hybrid manner we will still be spending a lot of time in Zoom meetings. It will take even more effort to build and maintain belonging in your team. I encourage you to think of others and how you can give them a sense of belonging. Also think about what will increase your sense of belonging. We all have a part to play in creating inclusive environments.