Creating inclusive environments allows people to freely express themselves, which allows further growth and encourages self-reflection. There are eleven inclusive behaviors for creating inclusive environments. These key competencies reposition an organization to much higher levels that strategically improve organizational performance and transform it into their way of life. Let us take a closer look at these behaviors:
1. Be Authentic
Inclusive environments require mutual respect that can only be achieved if a genuine authenticity binds them. Each person feels free to express themselves and share their views and opinions in a nonjudgmental atmosphere.
2. Communicate
Creating an inclusion breakthrough requires that each individual communicates clearly, honestly, and directly without beating around the bush. These are vital to ensuring that a strong culture of open communication exists and is supported.
3. Safe Environment
Each individual must create a working environment where everybody feels safe to share their ideas. A safe environment that allows people to learn from their mistakes potentially leads to more robust organizations.
4. Be Courageous
Being courageous does not just mean having the strength to say or do something that you are afraid people will judge you for. It also means having the courage to speak up when you are unsure but are willing to learn. It is even more courageous when it is something that you are culturally not familiar with but are open to the diverse experience.
5. Share Thoughts and Experiences
Encourage each member of the team to share their thoughts. Allow opportunities for each of them to showcase their uniqueness. Each team member has a different experience that others can learn from.
6. Notice and Speak up
Take notice of the behaviors of the people in the team. This will help you get to know them better, and it will allow you a deeper understanding of their personality and choices. If there are those being excluded, take action and include them in the discussion or activity.
7. Address Issues ASAP
An inclusive environment addresses and resolves all disagreements as soon as possible. They avoid ignoring the issues that they feel are unimportant because they may have more impact on others while none to some. Problems must be discussed as a team and agreed upon which ones should be dealt with first.
8. Team Tasks
A clear understanding of what the group tasks are is vital to the mission of the organization. Each of these tasks is important, and how it relates to the organization.
9. Listen and Respond
Teams must take the time to listen and respond when others share ideas. These are vital in creating inclusiveness, especially in groups coming from different cultures. The points and views of people from different cultures can also be a great learning avenue.
10. Contributions and Voices
Teams are made up of people with various personalities that can contribute so much to an organization. Diversity also allows an opportunity for different voices to be heard.
11. Team Meetings
Make sure that the team meetings are well planned and that the agenda is straightforward. Being organized and punctual shows that you respect the time of the team.
Do you know of any other behaviors for creating inclusive environments? Email me at greg@inscapeconsulting.com to continue the conversation.
