Inclusive Leadership – Making A Seat, Not A Place For Everyone
Written by: Santarvis Brown, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
It is, to me, remarkable how little people have changed in thousands of years of civilization.
Technology changes, but people now are in many ways like the way we were a thousand years ago.
We have the same emotions. We have the same motivations. We have the same social perceptions.
So, it is interesting to me that today’s leaders do not pull from thousands of years of knowledge to perfect our skills.
Today, I would like to do just this very thing. I want to step back to 1155 AD and the first mention of King Arthur’s round table in Wace of Jersey’s Roman de Brut.
You have likely heard of King Arthur’s legendary round table. In folklore – and many believe true history – Arthur’s round table sat his barons – his knights. It was round so that anyone seated at it could not claim precedence over anyone else at the table. All who sat at the round table were equals. And that included the King, Arthur.
And this is what I would like to talk about in becoming a better leader. Inclusive leadership means making a seat, not just a place, for everyone at the table.
Let’s break this last statement down. A place for everyone at the table means that everyone has a place to sit. While a seat at a table is often a revered position where those who have a seat are given priority to speak. As an inclusive leader, it is your job to give everyone at the table a seat, not a place to sit.
By providing everyone a seat at the table you are enabling everyone to have a voice. Whether an employee is a janitor or executive, everyone has good ideas, and everyone’s input is valued.
Inclusive leadership is how companies grow and respect employees. Inclusive leadership is how Arthur’s round table has persisted for nearly a millennium as one of the greatest stories ever told.
As an inclusive leader, you are opening your door (literally) to your employees. You are creating an atmosphere where employees feel valued and heard and in return are motivated to perform well.
Here are a few tips when creating inclusivity in the workplace:
No judgement: Be open to ideas, thoughts, and criticism. Regardless of how outside-of-the-box you think an idea is, there is no harm in discussing and being open to unique ideas.
Open a round table discussion: A round table discussion gives everyone the ability to speak and present ideas. Additionally, when an idea is presented a round table discussion gives everyone the ability to ask questions about each idea.
Growth discussions: Growth discussions mean that no idea is criticized. Questions and additional thoughts are presented that can only grow an idea.
Positive response: As an inclusive leader create an atmosphere of praise. Thank everyone for their input and encourage continued participation.
Write it down: Either you or someone else in the meeting should be assigned to write down all ideas. This will show employees that you are taking their participation seriously.
Follow up on all ideas: Whether an idea will be moved forward or not it is important to follow up with all employees who participated. Thank those employees and open your conversation for additional participation.
A successful leader is an inclusive leader who has a seat for everyone at the table. Every idea, regardless of how unique, is a valuable idea as long as your employees realize you value their participation.
Santarvis Brown, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Santarvis Brown has spent 15+ years serving as a leader, innovator, and changemaker in education, showcasing in-depth insight as an administrator, educator, and program director. A noted speaker, researcher, and full professor, he has lent his speaking talent to many community and educational forums, serving as a keynote speaker. He has also penned several publications tackling issues in civic service, faith, leadership, and education.
