22 December 2020

Inclusive leadership: the strength of diversity

six people converse animatedly in a modern office with brick walls and a large window.

We live in an increasingly pluralistic and diverse society, which is a richness and a strength from any perspective. However, this reality is not always reflected in companies, especially in management teams, which means that they often end up being biased and without a clear vision of the future. represent the immediate realities of both the company and its customers. To avoid this, the concept of inclusive leadership has arisen, a philosophy that allows management processes to be led on the basis of diversity and inclusion. 

Table of contents

What is inclusive leadership

Inclusive leadership is defined as the ability to establish a philosophy of inclusion within a company or work environment. In other words, A work philosophy focused on creating a diverse workforce and fostering a broad, comprehensive perspective on social and business realities. in which it operates.

Benefits of inclusive leadership

The advantages of applying inclusive leadership in a company are numerous. Some of the most recognisable are as follows: 

  • Talent attraction and retentionOne of the main benefits of inclusive leadership is its ability to attract and retain entrepreneurial talent. Work teams formed by diverse staff are more efficient at carrying out their duties, which translates into lower staff turnover and more qualified personnel. 
  • Customer guidanceCompanies that commit to inclusive leadership have a larger number of potential customers, which translates into better relationships with them and, in addition, more loyal customers who, in many cases, end up becoming brand ambassadors. 
  • Best business reputationCompanies that opt for inclusive leadership and have teams made up of diverse staff have a better reputation. This improved perception of the company is applicable both from an internal and external viewpoint, therefore it constitutes a significant enhancement of the company's positioning at all levels. 
  • Strengthens the sense of communityDiverse teams allow for the creation of broader and stronger personal bonds. Conversely, work teams made up exclusively of like-minded individuals tend to form smaller and more limited groups and personal bonds. In this way, inclusive leadership translates into a greater sense of community belonging and corporate culture of which it is a part. 
  • Broader perspective and capabilitiesFinally, another of the main benefits offered by the adoption of an inclusive leadership philosophy within the company is that it provides a much broader and more complete perspective. Consequently, better results are achieved at all levels, both within the company itself and in relationships with customers and other external agents.

How to develop inclusive leadership

To develop inclusive leadership in a company, it is necessary to a firm and sustained commitment to diversity in positions of responsibility. In this respect, it is essential to give opportunities to different profiles of workers, as well as provide them with the necessary tools and facilities for their promotion. 
In this regard, one of the most important factors to consider is the importance of Work-life balance. Among others, initiatives such as Nursery Ticket Help to make such reconciliation simpler, constituting a significant incentive when promoting equal opportunities and promotion within companies.

Edenred Spain