Jan. 12, 2024

Dear Reader,

This second edition of The Inclusive Leadership Spotlight gives hints to answer the weekly Monday Morning Question through the pillars of Inclusive Leadership:

• self-awareness,
• augmented leadership skills,
• Emotional and Cultural Agility.

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Our weekly question for Inclusive Leaders:

Before discussing the three pillars, it is essential to emphasize the significance of open communication in a diverse team.

This involves creating a work environment where everyone feels empowered to freely express their thoughts and concerns, fostering active listening, embracing diverse communication styles (see Catherine’s video), and promoting collaboration.

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Self-awareness

Self-awareness is the key to understanding our strengths, biases, and areas for growth as an Inclusive Leader.

Regarding open communication, rate your comfort level on a scale of 1 to 6,

where 1 means “I’m not comfortable at all.” and 6 “I am very comfortable”e.” for each skill below:

1. Identifying my preferred communication style
2. Identifying the communication styles I’m reluctant to use
3. Knowing the impact of my communication style.s on my team members and peers
4. Practicing active listening
5. Fostering active listening within my teams and with my peers
6. Promoting collaboration within my teams and organization

What are you learning?

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Augmented Leadership skills

Facilitating a conversation that encourages open dialogue is a decisive step toward fostering Inclusivity. Here are some actionable hints to guide you.

If your team has already engaged with the Monday Morning Questions, congratulations – you’ve laid the foundation for open communication and set goals for increased Inclusivity in 2024!

For teams new to open communication to set the stage!

• Lead by Example: Begin by sharing your commitment to fostering open communication. Emphasize the benefits of openness and authenticity, discuss potential changes in working habits, and outline how the team can collectively support each member.
• Create a Safe Space for Open Dialogue: Define a specific time limit for the discussion and assign someone or a dyad to collect viewpoints. Establish a safe environment where every team member feels comfortable expressing their preferences, how certain styles make them uncomfortable, how different styles can be displayed during meetings, how they practice active listening, and what the group preferences are...

NB: The conversation focuses on styles, not individuals.

You accept: “I relate to characters, feelings, metaphors, and stories. Bullet-point presentations are too dry for me.”

You don’t accept: “Jon, you are so cold with your bullet points.”

• Emphasize that there are no wrong answers and that diverse perspectives are crucial for a dynamic team. If the conversation is lulled, reference ​a list of communication styles​ or tips to improve active listening and collaboration.
• Express Gratitude and Plan for Follow-up: Thank your team for sharing their views on open communication. Assure their input is valued. Let the team agree on a follow-up conversation or action, such as creating a Communication Guide, attending a course to be more aware of their communication styles, or teaming up with a buddy to improve active listening…

This approach ensures your team feels heard, valued, and actively involved in the journey toward more open communication and Inclusivity.

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Emotional and Cultural Agility

Elevate yourself and your team’s commitment to open communication by recognizing that:

• you can use different communication styles depending on your culture, role, personal traits, context, and audience,
• various team members have varying communication preferences,
• you can support each other to take risks and use styles you are not comfortable with,
• you can collectively accept that active listening is an ongoing challenge,
• you can collectively agree that collaboration requires continuous and shared engagement.

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🌟 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!

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