Introduction

Inclusive leadership and psychological safety are essential for creating a diverse and thriving workplace. Inclusive leaders ensure that every team member feels valued and heard, while psychological safety allows individuals to express themselves without fear of retribution. This guide provides practical strategies, valuable resources, and discussion prompts to help Squad group members apply these concepts effectively in their workplaces.


Inclusive leadership and psychological safety are foundational for building a collaborative and innovative workplace. By practicing these tips, exploring external resources, and engaging in thoughtful discussions within your Squad, you can enhance your ability to lead inclusively and foster a safe, supportive atmosphere in your professional environment.


External Resources

  1. Podcast: Harvard Business Review: What Is Psychological Safety, Really?  9 min 59 sec
  2. Article: Harvard Business Review: A Guide to Building Psychological Safety on Your Team This article discusses how to create a culture of psychological safety in your organization.
  3. Podcast: Inclusive Leadership in a Virtual World Numerous short episodes.
  4. Article: Forbes: Psychological Safety Boosts Inclusion
  5. Article: Nonprofit Leadership Center: Leaders Who Authentically Embrace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Believe These 8 Things
  6. Article & Audio: Harvard Business Review: What Makes an Inclusive Leader?


Discussion Prompts

  1. Share a Time: Who’s the best leader you’ve worked with? What were their superpowers and how did the experience change you?
  2. Inclusive Practices: Share an example of an inclusive practice you’ve implemented or experienced in the workplace. What impact did it have on the team?
  3. Overcoming Bias: Discuss strategies for identifying and overcoming unconscious biases. How can we ensure these strategies are consistently applied in the workplace?
  4. Creating Safety: What specific actions can leaders take, or avoid, to foster psychological safety in their teams? Share examples or ideas from your work experience.
  5. Handling Conflicts: How can we effectively manage conflicts in a way that maintains psychological safety and inclusivity? Discuss approaches and best practices used in your workplace.
  6. Continuous Improvement: What steps can we take to continuously improve our inclusive leadership skills and promote psychological safety in our workplaces? Share ideas and experiences from your professional life.



Tips for Inclusive Leadership

  1. Embrace Diversity: Actively seek out and value diverse perspectives and experiences. Ensure representation from various backgrounds in decision-making processes.
  2. Practice Empathy: Show genuine concern and understanding for others’ feelings and experiences. Listen actively and respond with empathy.
  3. Encourage Participation: Create opportunities for everyone to contribute. Ask for input from quieter members and ensure all voices are heard.
  4. Be Transparent: Share information openly and honestly. Transparency builds trust and helps everyone feel included in the decision-making process.
  5. Model Inclusive Behavior: Set an example by demonstrating inclusive practices in your actions and decisions. Recognize and address any biases.


Tips for Fostering Psychological Safety

  1. Create a Safe Environment: Establish norms that promote respect and openness. Encourage a culture where questions and mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.
  2. Encourage Vulnerability: Share your own experiences and challenges. This can help others feel safe to do the same.
  3. Acknowledge Contributions: Recognize and appreciate input from all team members. Celebrate successes and learn from failures together.
  4. Address Issues Promptly: If conflicts or issues arise, address them quickly and fairly. Ensure that everyone feels heard and respected.
  5. Provide Support: Offer resources and support for professional and personal development. Encourage continuous learning and growth.