Well, let’s look firstly at what it means to be an Inclusive Leader:
To apply this, we will at least need a high level of self-awareness, together with a healthy curiosity about others.
As well as these two critical essentials, I recommend any ambitious leaders focus upon the following:
Two subjects you seldom see together!
Psychological Safety
Psychological safety in the workplace is a great principle that must be considered.
It is the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, or mistakes. As a result, team members generally feel accepted and respected.
Accountability
Accountability in the workplace is also of equal importance.
It is a person’s obligation to accept certain responsibilities and by way deliver upon them. Applying suitable accountability can help create a healthy and supportive work environment.
My point is, that when just one of these principles is fully applied in isolation, it can be ineffective.
Too much Psychological Safety can eventually produce a cosy, counsellor environment where no-one is ever properly held to account.
Whereas
too much Accountability can quickly produce a demoralised environment where no-one ever really feels safe.
Getting the balance right is a very sought after skillset amongst inclusive leaders.
Empowering everyone to have a voice and speak freely because their contribution is genuinely valued without retribution, while holding themselves and others to account to deliver on their respective responsibilities is perfect equilibria.
Although the buzz words may have changed over the years, I remember Jim Collins sharing his definition of Level 5 Leadership decades ago.
He said this;
For me, being an Inclusive Leader is quite similar.
It is creating a psychologically safe environment to openly accept everyone by encouraging them to regularly display their thoughts, as well as the brilliant unique talents they bring. At the same time, providing total clarity and strong accountability of everyone’s individual and shared responsibilities to deliver to plan.
As mentioned at the beginning, Psychological Safety and Accountability are seldom seen together, but if you are lucky enough to experience them from an Inclusive Leader simultaneously, it has a profound effect on everyone, not to mention the overall results of your team.
Location
We are currently based in Edinburgh, York, London, Northern Ireland and operate throughout the UK, Ireland, Poland, USA, India, Hong Kong and Dubai.
