Inclusive leadership benefits everyone. It positively impacts everyone. It doesn't matter whether you're a man or a woman, young or old, of any skin color, race, ethnicity, or nationality. Anyone can be an inclusive leader. You can be an inclusive leader, and inclusion benefits everyone.
So you must be wondering what exactly is inclusion. The dictionary says, inclusion is the action or state of being included, or including others in groups and structures.
Inclusion happens when we value both the differences and the commonalities of others.
When we value differences it means that we value uniqueness or distinctiveness in others. Standing out from a crowd and being recognized for what we bring to the table, what's unique about us?
When we value commonalities we value belongingness in others. Being and feeling accepted as part of the crowd, regardless of our differences or similarities with others. It really is about fitting into that group.
Inclusion happens when we value both the differences and the commonalities of others.
Now, let us also try to dissect who is a leader and who is a follower?
A video that appeared on the internet a few years ago was used in a TED talk given by Derek Sivers explains the concept of a leader and a follower very aptly.
The best line that I liked in the video is when Derek says
"The biggest lesson...is that leadership is over-glorified. That, yes, it was the shirtless guy who was first, and he'll get all the credit, but it was really the first follower that transformed the lone nut into a leader....If you really care about starting a movement, have the courage to follow, and show others how to follow.”
No comments:
Post a Comment