Congratulations on building your inclusive leadership muscles. Bravo! I celebrate your commitment to enriching your leadership skills and preparing for the ever-morphing workplace. Perhaps you’re at a place now where you worry that you’ll slip into old patterns without accountability from educational programs! Here’s some help.
Recognize that continuous learning and improvement are necessary. You started, but you have to keep going. Consider certifications you may possess (Human Resources, coaching, project management, etc.) that require continuous learning to maintain those credentials. It’s vital because ongoing knowledge is necessary to grow as an inclusive leader. The truth of the matter is that inclusive leadership is a lifelong commitment. You’ll need to keep using your new skills, or you’ll slip back into your comfort zone. So yes, the use it or lose it slogan does apply. Here’s the thing, additional learning opportunities are essential for growth, so go on a scavenger hunt to find further education to bolster your knowledge. Join a book club to stay informed. Identify gaps. I tell clients to keep striving for conscious inclusion, which means being in tune with biases. Did you know hundreds of preferences exist? Become aware of your gaps. Consider taking advantage of bias testing on an ongoing basis to build competency.
Find and embrace those who need your inclusive leadership skills. To support your new skill set, ensure there’s accountability in place to uphold your transformational growth. Perhaps your approach includes participating in a DEI committee or Employee Resource Group to make impactful cultural changes. Think broadly about staying in a place of action and necessity. Ask yourself which teams need inclusive leadership support. Find them and engage. The key here is that your efforts will enrich your skills and, who knows, fuel your passion further for this work.
Practice your inclusive leadership skills by using your voice. Have you ever had an experience when you test-drove a car and afterward you saw the car everywhere you went? I suspect that’ll happen to you post-inclusive leadership training. Now that you’re empowered and encouraged, you will notice inclusion and lack thereof. What will you do with those skills? How will you engage your stakeholders? Amplifying your voice for advocacy will be an opportunity for you to demonstrate your inclusive leadership skills. Offer your feedback to leaders in meetings. Don’t just double down on what they did wrong! Tell them about their wins and about opportunities for growth and fostering inclusion.
How are you continuing to grow your inclusive leadership skills? Comment below. Let’s learn and grow together.
Let us help you with your inclusive leadership journey. Reach out if I or my team can assist.