Bridging the Gap Between High-Performance and Inclusive Leadership Skills

Feb. 9, 2024

Dear Reader,

Welcome to another edition of our Inclusive Leadership Spotlight newsletter. This week, we delve into self-awareness as an Inclusive Leader. We will explore the critical bridge between high-performance skills and effective Leadership, shedding light on leadership skills and the importance of Emotional and Cultural Agility.

​

Self-awareness

As Inclusive Leaders, self-awareness starts with understanding our biases, acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing the impact of our actions on others. This reflective journey allows us to create an environment where diverse voices thrive, fostering innovation and collaboration.

Challenge yourself with those inquiries:

• Reflect on your strengths as a high performer. How do these strengths contribute to fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment?
• Consider your communication style. Do aspects of your communication unintentionally exclude or overlook certain team members? How can you adjust to ensure inclusivity?
• Think about a recent team success. Did you actively recognize and appreciate the contributions of all team members, acknowledging their diverse skills and perspectives?
• Reflect on a challenging situation. How did your response align with inclusive leadership principles? What steps can you take to handle similar situations more inclusively in the future?
• Examine your decision-making process. Are you considering diverse perspectives and experiences when making important decisions, or could there be room for improvement in this area?
• Consider your understanding of the diverse backgrounds within your team. How can you enhance your cultural intelligence to better connect with and support team members from different backgrounds?

These questions promote self-awareness and help bridge the gap between high-performing and Inclusive Leadership skills. Take the time to reflect on your responses and consider actionable steps for continuous growth as an inclusive leader.

What are you learning?

​
​

Augmented Leadership Skills

High-performing individuals often excel in specific tasks or functions, but Inclusive Leadership extends beyond individual achievement. It requires inspiring, guiding, and empowering a diverse team. The gap between high-performance skills and inclusive Leadership is bridged by cultivating self-leadership that values collaboration, empathy, and effective communication.

To nurture Inclusive Leadership skills, consider joining mentorship or coaching programs, leadership training, and feedback mechanisms. See beyond individual success and embrace the responsibility of uplifting your entire team.

​
​

Emotional and Cultural Agility

Emotional and Cultural Agility is essential for leaders navigating the intricacies of diverse workplaces. This entails understanding and effectively managing emotions within oneself and others and adapting seamlessly to various cultural contexts.

To cultivate this agility:

• Open Dialogue and Cultural Intelligence: Create spaces for open dialogue about emotions, fostering an environment where team members can express themselves authentically. Encourage the development of cultural intelligence through active learning and shared experiences. Manage your Judge-Saboteur and adopt a curious, judgment-free mindset.
• Continuous Learning: Seek resources for continuous learning on emotional intelligence and cultural awareness. Psst, The Inclusive Leadership Spotlight is a great one! ;-)
• Different perspectives: Challenge yourself further by adopting the views of others, fostering empathy, and strengthening the bonds that make our team resilient and united.

By embracing Emotional and Cultural Agility, we pave the way for a work environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves and contributes to a richer, more inclusive workplace culture.

In conclusion, self-awareness is the compass guiding us toward Inclusive Leadership in diverse workplaces. It fosters a mindset that values collaboration, empathy, and adaptability. As we navigate this journey, let us commit to creating an inclusive and empowering workplace for all.

Until next time,

Catherine

​

🌟 The Inclusive Leadership Spotlight is Yours! 🌟

🗣️ Remember, Inclusive Leadership is not a destination; it's a continuous evolution. Let's create Constructive Frictions where Diversity delivers!

Your feedback is valued. Please share it here.