Diversity. Inclusion. We hear a lot about these concepts but what do they really mean? And how can company leader and managers do their part to create workplaces of acceptance, cohesiveness, and connection?
The meaning and practice of diversity and inclusion in the workplace have significantly evolved. They have progressed beyond just hiring people of different ethnicities, genders, religions, and backgrounds. It's no longer about just being compliant!
Estimated reading: 8 minutes
Table of Contents
Exploring Authentic Leadership?
Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion: The Role of an Authentic Leader in the Workplace
Effective Strategies Using Authentic Leadership to Drive Diversity and Inclusion
Champion Diverse Talent
Create Safe Spaces for Meaningful Dialogue
Promote Equity and Reduce Bias
Inclusive Behaviors of the Leader Are the Role Model
Practice Authenticity to Build Trust
Tailor Approaches to Individual Needs
Key Benefits of Authentic Leadership
Frequently Asked Questions
And diversity and inclusion have emerged as more than just ideals—they are pillars for success. A new leadership style is required to facilitate this change in workplace dynamics. Enter authentic leadership—an ideal that propels companies toward a culture rich in diverse thoughts and inclusive practices.
Authentic leadership that is rooted in emotional intelligence transcends traditional approaches to diversity. It's about a deep-seated commitment to recognizing and harnessing each team member's unique strengths. Leading authentically inspires fairness and equity. As we’ll discuss, authentic leaders develop certain traits that allow them not just to accommodate differences but to celebrate them, turning diversity and inclusion into valuable assets.
In writing this article, I aim to explore authentic leader traits and show you how to champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace by being authentic. And to be authentic requires courage and leading from within.
Authentic leadership lies at the heart of championed diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
But what exactly does “authentic” leadership mean, and what does it take to be an authentic leader in today’s diverse workplace?
Authentic leaders have several key traits:
Authentic leadership isn’t about barking orders from a pedestal. It’s about connecting with your people on a human level. You’re still the boss, but instead of commanding respect, you earn it.
How?
You create a work environment where diversity of thought and inclusion are the norm, not the exception.
Let’s explore ways you can do just that.
Authentic leadership is pivotal in achieving and enriching workplace culture. This leadership style transforms diversity and inclusion from just being “in compliance” to a vitality fueled by converting these principles into assets for success and growth that are living and breathing within a company.
Let me give you an example. Years ago, I worked with a group of C-Suite leaders from a multi-million dollar company who genuinely espoused diversity and inclusion. However, during our work together, we identified the behaviors and modeling necessary to align with these principles. They were shocked at how far they were from truly leading with a unified message of diversity and inclusion. The majority of their behaviors were contradictory to the principles.
Leaders MUST model through their behaviors, decision-making, and company policies what they want employees to live by.
Ohhhhh.... but walking our talk is SO MUCH more difficult, especially in fast-paced industries and large companies.
We THINK because we commit to a value or believe in a principle or talk about the meaning of inclusion that we are living it—a common misconception.
So, how exactly does authentic leadership influence diversity and inclusion?
Positive change starts at the top. And this change expands and is sustained through the leaders’ actions that are aligned with the company’s values. When there is a disconnect between what the leaders say and what they DO, the best of intentions are greatly diminished.
The leader’s approach initiates the process of change. A leader's influence then permeates the entire organizational structure from the top down.
Below, we’ll explore simple (although not necessarily easy) strategies for using effective authentic leadership to drive diversity and inclusion in your workplace. I've also included an idea you can implement for each suggestion.
Authentic leaders recognize that a team of varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is crucial for innovative problem-solving and decision-making. They also create opportunities for everyone, ensuring that they nurture and develop talent across different demographics.
The challenge ensues because of our cognitive biases that play out in the workplace. For a leader to hire outside their comfort zone of preconceived ideas of value, their preferences, and what they admire in an employee, etc., requires tremendous self-awareness and intentionality. The suggestion below can help.
An authentic leader creates a nurturing environment where every voice is heard and respected, going beyond just hiring a diverse group. An open-minded environment means establishing forums where team members can share their experiences, ideas, and feelings without fear of judgment or reprisal.
However, this openness demands EQ skills and emotional intelligence training so everyone is capable of responding instead of reacting, open-mindedness to replace bias, and tolerance to explore new possibilities.
Authentic leaders, known for their self-awareness and empathy, are better equipped to identify and challenge biases and stereotypes. By being aware of your team’s feelings about inequality, you can manage them more effectively and get better results. In fact, a study by the Harvard Business Review highlights how leaders who actively reduce prejudice and promote equality and inclusivity significantly improve team performance and employee engagement.
Authentic leadership embodies diversity. These leaders live it in their actions, not just talk about it. They set a powerful example for others by demonstrating inclusivity in their behaviors, conversations, and initiatives. These actions can include acknowledging cultural celebrations, understanding diverse communication styles, and being mindful of unconscious bias. Breaking down the walls of bias and prejudice is critical to cultivating a safe workplace.
Authentic leaders build trust. Plain and simple.
Why?
Because there is a coherence to their words, actions, and how they model within a company. Their consistency and alignment cultivate greater trust. (Words match actions; actions match words.) This trust is the foundation for a more inclusive and diverse workplace because employees feel heard, valued, and respected. They can depend on what they are told because there is incredible follow-through and a quick resolution of conflicts.
Over the past couple of decades of team building in companies, I have heard hundreds of times from employees variations of trust busters below:
Broken promises and empty words destroy trust.
Trust is precious!
When it's present, trust leads to transparency, increased engagement, and a desire to support each other. Team members feel more comfortable bringing their whole selves to work along with their unique ideas and perspectives! The better your team feels about coming to work, the more productive they will be.
Different people interpret inclusivity differently, and authentic leaders may need to adapt their approaches to meet the needs of each team member (nobody said this would be simple!). However, a personalized approach tells employees that you value and respect everyone.
In an authenticity-led organization, inclusivity is not just a goal; it’s a lived experience.
So let's look at and highlight some of the key benefits of authentic leadership driving diversity and inclusion in the workplace:
As leaders or aspiring leaders, we must commit to authenticity in our leadership, ensuring that diversity and inclusion become realities, not just aspirations. We must work together to build a workplace that mirrors our diverse, vibrant, and inclusive world for long-term, lasting success.
Authentic leadership is essential for driving diversity and inclusion in the workplace, which is the new normal for the future. This leadership style, rooted in emotional intelligence, is not just business smarts; it manages the entire team while also uplifting each individual to get the job done better. The true measure of success is for each team member to support their co-workers in being successful, which naturally raises the company.
If you’re inspired to enhance your leadership skills and foster a more inclusive, high-performing team, Heartmanity offers executive coaching, emotional intelligence training, and leadership skill-building programs. These resources will equip you with tools and insights to transform your leadership approach and build a thriving workplace culture.
Click here to learn more.