How to Lead With Inclusion

How to Lead with Inclusion

When helping business owners to create a clear path forward, we step back to evaluate the team’s strength, level of collaboration and culture. For a company to effectively drive organizational performance it must create an environment where everyone is working for the greater good of the organization. As a business evolves it can become more complex on its own so effective teamwork and a strong company culture is the ultimate competitive advantage.

Creating this type of firm culture starts with the founder and leadership team to define and cultivate it. A strong culture will drive employee satisfaction, retention, as well as organizational performance. In fact, a culture with a safe environment for employees to elevate relevant issues will further accelerate results. Here are a few good examples of what employees should feel free to voice: An error-prevention step in an operational process, a possible customer grievance, a cost-savings idea, or an improved technology solution.

Your culture determines behavior. Behavior determines performance.

As a leader in a company this process starts with you. Here are some tips to enhance a firm’s culture and performance.

 1. Ask Your Team Important Questions. Such as, how can we better serve our clients? Are there any issues you feel need priority to resolve this quarter or next? What could be changed, improved, or resolved to help you do your job better?

2. Establish Goals and Communicate Them. This allows for an environment of inclusion by knowing the firm’s top priorities and a way to contribute to achieving them.

3. Create a Firm Structure and Clearly Define Roles. This will increase accountability and develop a pathway for team members to advance within the company.

Teamwork is an essential component to any thriving business. When everyone is working for the greater good of the organization and can voice any concerns freely, you’ll create a strong team environment and a culture that drives performance. When this is accomplished you can achieve amazing results.