Fostering help-seeking in a diverse or intercultural team

April 19, 2024

Dear Reader,

This week, our focus revolves around a fundamental question for inclusive leaders: How can I make it safe for any team member to ask for help?

Recognizing the importance of this question is the first step towards fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and supported.

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Self-Awareness

Reflecting on our attitudes towards seeking help and recognizing our biases can help us create a more inclusive and supportive culture. Take a moment to reflect on the following questions:

• How do I usually react when a team member asks for help on a task or project?
• How do I view seeking help as a sign of weakness or incompetence or as a natural part of collaboration and growth?
• How can I demonstrate vulnerability by asking for help when encountering challenges or obstacles in my work?

What are you learning?
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Emotional and Cultural Agility

Understanding the cultural differences surrounding asking for help is crucial in creating a safe space for all team members. In some cultures, seeking assistance may be perceived as a sign of weakness; in others, it is seen as a natural part of collaboration. By embracing and celebrating cultural diversity and fostering open communication channels, we can create an environment where individuals feel safe and encouraged to seek assistance regardless of cultural background.

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Leading Integrity and Courage

In my Wednesday video, I discussed some attitudes and approaches that are important for Inclusive Leaders.

.leading by example: When we openly acknowledge our limitations and courageously ask for assistance, we set a powerful precedent for our team members.

. implementing a structured approach over 3 to 6 months to encourage the habit of help-seeking. This includes designing tasks and projects with designated go-to resources to seek assistance.

. acknowledging any progress made towards help-seeking.

video

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Bonus of the newsletter: Encourage open dialogue and support during team meetings and one-on-one sessions by asking targeted questions:

• How can the team best support you with this project, task, or report?
• In what ways can I assist you?
• Are there individuals who could provide you with the missing information or support?

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By proactively seeking opportunities to offer assistance and address gaps, we create a culture where help-seeking is normalized and valued.

Remember, fostering inclusive leadership is a journey, not a destination. Let's commit to continual growth and development together.

Until next time,

Catherine​
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🗣️ Remember, Inclusive Leadership is not a destination; it's a continuous evolution.

Let's create Constructive Frictions where Diversity delivers!