Inclusive Management

6/8/2024
management
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5 min
management
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Inclusive Management

In an ever-changing professional world, inclusiveness has become a major lever for business success. Managers play an important role in creating a healthy working environment. Inclusive management is not just about diversity, it's about integrating practices that encourage the active participation of all employees. That's what we're going to explore in this article.

Inclusive management: what are we talking about?

Definition

Inclusive management is a management approach that values diversity and promotes the inclusion of all employees, whatever their profile, age, gender or other discrimination criteria. This practice aims to create a healthy working environment where every individual feels respected, valued and supported. Inclusive management seeks to eliminate stereotypes and discrimination, thus fostering innovation and creativity, and recognizing the individuality of each team member.

Vision of success

The success of inclusive management depends on managers' commitment to integrating human and inclusive values into their daily practice. Inclusive managers understand the importance of employee integration, and know that their role is crucial in promoting a working environment where everyone can flourish and contribute fully. Successful inclusive management is reflected in improved performance, increased employee satisfaction and reduced turnover.

The 5 key skills of an inclusive manager

1. Practicing active listening

Active listening is a fundamental skill for any inclusive manager. It enables us to truly understand the needs, desires and perspectives of our employees. To go beyond the simple question "Is that clear?", it would also be preferable to ask"What do you think?" or"What would be your approach?". This encourages open and honest communication. 

In addition, it' s important to be wary of automatic responses such as: "Yes, yes, that's clear", and to ask for oral or written rephrasing:"Could you share with me your vision of key objectives and points for attention?".

2. Let opinions be heard

To promote inclusion, a manager must encourage the expression of everyone's opinions. Asking open-ended questions and organizing round-table discussions where everyone can give their opinion are effective practices. This recognizes and values the diversity of perspectives and ideas, which is essential for an innovative and dynamic organization.

3. Adapt your communication to your profile

A good inclusive manager knows how to adapt his or her communication to each employee's profile and needs. Understanding what each individual expects and prefers in terms of communication is very useful. Using the Process Com method can help to identify each person's preferences and needs, enabling more effective and empathetic interaction, and clearer identification of the delegation or feedback the manager needs to take into account.

4. React well to little things

Small gestures and attention to detail are essential to promote an inclusive environment. It's important to start from the assumption that someone "won't know", and so play the advocate for others. For example:"I'm sure some people are wondering how the DLC works, can you tell us more Jérémy?". 

It's also good practice to give the floor to people who might have something to say but don't naturally speak up:"Thank you Charles, your question is pertinent, I'd like to hear Chloé and Jérémy's opinion on it."

We also need to pay attention to each person's situation: not thinking that one's own situation is the same as that of others is fundamental to inclusive management. Managers therefore need to be aware of the personal situations of their team members. For example:"We have a team-building event planned for the end of the day this week. If this poses concerns for some (childcare, personal obligations, etc.), please let me know so we can consider another time slot."

5. Dealing with less obvious cases of discrimination

It's vital for a manager to know how to deal with situations of discrimination or exclusion, even when they are subtle. There's no need to over-react the first time it happens. It's more effective to remind people of the values of the company and of each individual. If the behavior persists, a reaction in front of everyone is necessary, followed by one-to-one reframing to make sure the message is understood.

3 tips for inclusion

1. Working on yourself

Personal development is a key step in becoming an inclusive manager. This includes learning assertiveness and emotional management. A manager needs to be able to step back and reflect on his or her own biases and behaviors in order to better understand and manage those of others.

2. Daily practice

Inclusion must be a daily practice. Managers must integrate the principles of inclusiveness into every interaction and decision. Encouraging employees, recognizing their efforts and creating an environment where everyone feels free to express themselves are essential practices.

3. Training in the right methods

Ongoing training is essential for managers wishing to adopt an inclusive posture. Here are some concrete solutions for training, both online and in real life:

  1. Online courses and webinars
    • MOOCs on diversity and inclusion: several platforms and training organizations offer specialized courses on inclusive leadership and human values.
    • Webinars and online conferences: take part in webinars offered by experts in diversity and inclusion
  2. Certification programs
    • Certification in inclusive leadership: obtain recognized certifications, such as those offered by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) or the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC).
    • Inclusive management training: follow certified programs, such as those offered by online universities.
  3. Group training Participate in face-to-face or online workshops based on real-life situations for immediate practical application.
    • Case studies: analyze and resolve concrete cases of discrimination encountered in the workplace.
    • Simulations and role-playing: practicing effective responses to inclusion and exclusion scenarios.
    • Sharing experiences: exchange with other participants to share solutions to real-life problems and draw inspiration from best practices.

A case in point is the "Inclusion" workshop offered by NUMA

  1. Online resources and virtual libraries
    • Guides and manuals: download free or paid resources from sites such as SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) or Catalyst.
    • Podcasts and videos: follow podcasts and YouTube channels dedicated to diversity and inclusion, such as "The Inclusion solution".
  2. Seminars and conferences
    • Diversity conferences: attend annual conferences such as the Global Diversity & Inclusion Benchmarks Conference or the Diversity and Inclusion Summit.
    • Corporate seminars: take part in seminars organized by companies or consultants specializing in inclusion.
  3. Think tanks and professional communities :some text
    • LinkedIn Groups: join professional groups on LinkedIn dedicated to diversity and inclusion to exchange ideas and resources.
    • Communities of practice: join communities such as the Diversity Professionals Group to discuss and share practical solutions with peers.

By integrating the principles of inclusive management, managers can create a harmonious and innovative work environment where every employee feels valued and respected, thus strengthening commitment and attachment to the company, especially for the talent they want to keep. 

In an ever-changing professional world, inclusiveness has become a major lever for business success. Managers play an important role in creating a healthy working environment. Inclusive management is not just about diversity, it's about integrating practices that encourage the active participation of all employees. That's what we're going to explore in this article.

Inclusive management: what are we talking about?

Definition

Inclusive management is a management approach that values diversity and promotes the inclusion of all employees, whatever their profile, age, gender or other discrimination criteria. This practice aims to create a healthy working environment where every individual feels respected, valued and supported. Inclusive management seeks to eliminate stereotypes and discrimination, thus fostering innovation and creativity, and recognizing the individuality of each team member.

Vision of success

The success of inclusive management depends on managers' commitment to integrating human and inclusive values into their daily practice. Inclusive managers understand the importance of employee integration, and know that their role is crucial in promoting a working environment where everyone can flourish and contribute fully. Successful inclusive management is reflected in improved performance, increased employee satisfaction and reduced turnover.

The 5 key skills of an inclusive manager

1. Practicing active listening

Active listening is a fundamental skill for any inclusive manager. It enables us to truly understand the needs, desires and perspectives of our employees. To go beyond the simple question "Is that clear?", it would also be preferable to ask"What do you think?" or"What would be your approach?". This encourages open and honest communication. 

In addition, it' s important to be wary of automatic responses such as: "Yes, yes, that's clear", and to ask for oral or written rephrasing:"Could you share with me your vision of key objectives and points for attention?".

2. Let opinions be heard

To promote inclusion, a manager must encourage the expression of everyone's opinions. Asking open-ended questions and organizing round-table discussions where everyone can give their opinion are effective practices. This recognizes and values the diversity of perspectives and ideas, which is essential for an innovative and dynamic organization.

3. Adapt your communication to your profile

A good inclusive manager knows how to adapt his or her communication to each employee's profile and needs. Understanding what each individual expects and prefers in terms of communication is very useful. Using the Process Com method can help to identify each person's preferences and needs, enabling more effective and empathetic interaction, and clearer identification of the delegation or feedback the manager needs to take into account.

4. React well to little things

Small gestures and attention to detail are essential to promote an inclusive environment. It's important to start from the assumption that someone "won't know", and so play the advocate for others. For example:"I'm sure some people are wondering how the DLC works, can you tell us more Jérémy?". 

It's also good practice to give the floor to people who might have something to say but don't naturally speak up:"Thank you Charles, your question is pertinent, I'd like to hear Chloé and Jérémy's opinion on it."

We also need to pay attention to each person's situation: not thinking that one's own situation is the same as that of others is fundamental to inclusive management. Managers therefore need to be aware of the personal situations of their team members. For example:"We have a team-building event planned for the end of the day this week. If this poses concerns for some (childcare, personal obligations, etc.), please let me know so we can consider another time slot."

5. Dealing with less obvious cases of discrimination

It's vital for a manager to know how to deal with situations of discrimination or exclusion, even when they are subtle. There's no need to over-react the first time it happens. It's more effective to remind people of the values of the company and of each individual. If the behavior persists, a reaction in front of everyone is necessary, followed by one-to-one reframing to make sure the message is understood.

3 tips for inclusion

1. Working on yourself

Personal development is a key step in becoming an inclusive manager. This includes learning assertiveness and emotional management. A manager needs to be able to step back and reflect on his or her own biases and behaviors in order to better understand and manage those of others.

2. Daily practice

Inclusion must be a daily practice. Managers must integrate the principles of inclusiveness into every interaction and decision. Encouraging employees, recognizing their efforts and creating an environment where everyone feels free to express themselves are essential practices.

3. Training in the right methods

Ongoing training is essential for managers wishing to adopt an inclusive posture. Here are some concrete solutions for training, both online and in real life:

  1. Online courses and webinars
    • MOOCs on diversity and inclusion: several platforms and training organizations offer specialized courses on inclusive leadership and human values.
    • Webinars and online conferences: take part in webinars offered by experts in diversity and inclusion
  2. Certification programs
    • Certification in inclusive leadership: obtain recognized certifications, such as those offered by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) or the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC).
    • Inclusive management training: follow certified programs, such as those offered by online universities.
  3. Group training Participate in face-to-face or online workshops based on real-life situations for immediate practical application.
    • Case studies: analyze and resolve concrete cases of discrimination encountered in the workplace.
    • Simulations and role-playing: practicing effective responses to inclusion and exclusion scenarios.
    • Sharing experiences: exchange with other participants to share solutions to real-life problems and draw inspiration from best practices.

A case in point is the "Inclusion" workshop offered by NUMA

  1. Online resources and virtual libraries
    • Guides and manuals: download free or paid resources from sites such as SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) or Catalyst.
    • Podcasts and videos: follow podcasts and YouTube channels dedicated to diversity and inclusion, such as "The Inclusion solution".
  2. Seminars and conferences
    • Diversity conferences: attend annual conferences such as the Global Diversity & Inclusion Benchmarks Conference or the Diversity and Inclusion Summit.
    • Corporate seminars: take part in seminars organized by companies or consultants specializing in inclusion.
  3. Think tanks and professional communities :some text
    • LinkedIn Groups: join professional groups on LinkedIn dedicated to diversity and inclusion to exchange ideas and resources.
    • Communities of practice: join communities such as the Diversity Professionals Group to discuss and share practical solutions with peers.

By integrating the principles of inclusive management, managers can create a harmonious and innovative work environment where every employee feels valued and respected, thus strengthening commitment and attachment to the company, especially for the talent they want to keep. 

FAQ

What is inclusive behavior?
How to implement inclusive management?
What is inclusion in a company?
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