What defines a great leader in an era of constant, disruptive change? As we navigate a world marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving societal expectations, the essence of effective leadership is shifting. It requires a nuanced approach that embraces diverse perspectives, fosters collaboration, and champions inclusivity.
In this context, envision a leader who transforms challenges into opportunities, leveraging the unique insights of every team member to drive innovation. Inclusive leadership has become a critical focus for organizations looking to build diverse, high-performing teams. Deloitte’s “Six Signature Traits of Inclusive Leadership” has been a cornerstone in this conversation, highlighting key behaviors that contribute to more inclusive workplaces.
At Her New Standard (HNS), we’ve expanded upon these insights by offering a practical, action-oriented approach to inclusive leadership, built on our own leadership assessment that we use in our women’s leadership development programs. We believe that this evolution shapes a future where inclusive practices are fundamental to organizational success.
Let’s explore the six signature traits of inclusive leadership as defined by Deloitte, and highlight how HNS enhances each trait to provide deeper insights and actionable strategies for fostering a truly inclusive environment.
Comparing Inclusive Leadership Traits: Deloitte vs. Her New Standard
| Deloitte’s Trait | HNS’s Enhanced Trait | Brief Explanation of the Difference |
| Curiosity | Embracing Curiosity | HNS emphasizes actively seeking out and valuing diverse opinions, fostering a culture where everyone contributes ideas. |
| Collaboration | Trust Building | HNS focuses on establishing strong relationships, creating an environment of safety where team members can openly share and innovate. |
| Cognizance of Bias | Authenticity and Self-Awareness |
HNS promotes leaders being genuinely self-aware and authentic, enhancing their understanding of how their actions impact the team. |
| Courage | Empathy | HNS emphasizes connecting with team members on an emotional level, enhancing engagement beyond just being courageous. |
| Commitment | Cultural Inclusion | HNS highlights the need for leaders to actively champion diversity and inclusion as a core cultural value, not just a policy. |
| Cultural Intelligence | Strategic Influence | HNS extends cultural intelligence to include leveraging diverse strengths strategically, driving performance towards shared goals. |
Embracing Curiosity: Unlocking Diverse Perspectives for Team Growth
Deloitte’s Curiosity emphasizes the importance of exploring new perspectives. At HNS, we take this further with Embracing Curiosity, which involves actively seeking out and valuing diverse, even competing opinions within the team. Leaders who embrace curiosity encourage team members to share their unique viewpoints, fostering an environment where ideas can lead to innovative solutions.
Trust Builder: Establishing Strong Relationships to Enhance Team Performance
While Deloitte’s Collaboration focuses on working together, HNS views this through the lens of Trust Building. High-performing teams are built on strong, trusting relationships. Leaders who prioritize trust work to create an inclusive environment where team members feel safe to share their ideas and take risks.
Authenticity and Self-Awareness: Leading with Genuine Understanding
Deloitte’s Cognizance of Bias addresses the need for self-awareness, and at HNS, we emphasize Authenticity and Self-Awareness as crucial for building high-performing teams. Leaders who are authentic and self-aware are better equipped to understand how their actions impact others and to create an environment where everyone feels valued.
Empathy: Connecting with Team Members to Drive Engagement
Empathy is a vital trait for inclusive leadership, aligning with Deloitte’s Courage. At HNS, we see Empathy as essential for creating high-performing teams. Leaders who practice empathy actively seeking to understand and connect with team members on an emotional level, enhancing engagement and commitment.
Strategic Influence: Leveraging Diverse Strengths to Achieve Team Success
While Deloitte emphasizes Commitment and Cultural Intelligence, HNS focuses on Strategic Influence. Effective leaders use their understanding of diverse perspectives to strategically guide the team towards achieving shared goals. Inclusive leaders harness the strengths of their diverse team to drive performance and innovation.
Commitment: Building a Culture of Inclusion
Deloitte’s Commitment highlights the necessity of leaders demonstrating a genuine commitment to inclusivity. At HNS, we build upon this with Cultural Inclusion, where leaders actively champion diversity. This commitment goes beyond policy—it’s about creating a culture where every team member is seen, heard, and valued.
Conclusion
Inclusive leadership represents a powerful strategy for developing high-performing teams. By integrating traits like curiosity, trust-building, authenticity, empathy, and strategic influence, leaders can create environments that not only value diverse perspectives but also drive exceptional team performance.Are you ready to elevate your leadership and
foster a thriving, diverse team?
We can help. Contact us to find out how we can help you drive team performance and create an environment where every voice is heard. Let’s work together to unlock your team’s full potential!
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