Leadership is a rollercoaster. Stepping into or continuing in a leadership role in higher education can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially as a woman of color. Your unique challenges often require resilience and a supportive, inclusive environment fostering psychological safety. 

This blog is dedicated to helping you feel motivated, supported, and confident in your leadership journey by focusing on infusing inclusivity practices into your leadership style. Let’s explore how encouraging the sharing of ideas, showing genuine interest in your team’s personal lives, recognizing them as individuals, and promoting authenticity can transform your leadership and your team.

Creating an Inclusive Atmosphere

Fostering an inclusive environment is critical as a leader, particularly in higher education. “Okay, LaToya, but how does one do that? What does it mean to foster an inclusive environment?” 

Creating an inclusive environment means actively ensuring that every voice is heard and valued, which can drive innovation and enhance team cohesion. Here are a few examples of what that kind of inclusivity looks like:

• Encouraging Diverse Ideas: Higher education thrives on the exchange of ideas. Promote an open forum where your team members feel safe sharing their thoughts and perspectives. This will enrich decision-making and empower your team members to contribute meaningfully.
• Actively Listening: Demonstrate active listening by fully engaging with your team during discussions. Acknowledge their input and encourage further elaboration. This practice shows respect and appreciation for their contributions, reinforcing their sense of belonging and importance.
• Constructive Feedback: Provide supportive feedback that is aimed at personal and professional growth. Emphasize your team member’s strengths and potential while offering guidance on areas of improvement. This approach helps build confidence and fosters a culture of continuous learning.

Showing Genuine Interest in Personal Lives

We touched on this in our previous mini-series post: By demonstrating a genuine interest in our team members’ personal lives, we foster a sense of belonging and appreciation within our team. Understanding and respecting the personal lives of your team members can significantly enhance their sense of being valued and respected, which is crucial for psychological safety.

• Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings to discuss professional matters and connect on a personal level. Inquire about their families, interests, and any significant personal events. This shows that you care about them beyond their professional roles.
• Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and celebrate personal and professional milestones, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or academic achievements. These celebrations can be small but meaningful gestures that show your appreciation and recognition of their individuality.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible work options whenever possible to help your team members balance their professional and personal lives. This flexibility can alleviate stress and demonstrate your understanding and support of their diverse needs.

Recognizing and Encouraging Authenticity

Encouraging authenticity within your team can lead to greater engagement and satisfaction. When team members feel they can be their true selves, they are more likely to contribute fully and innovatively.

• Lead by Example: Share your own experiences and challenges openly. By showing vulnerability and authenticity, you set a powerful example and create a safe space for others to do the same.
• Value Individual Strengths: Acknowledge and leverage each team member’s unique strengths and talents. This maximizes the team’s potential and helps individuals feel recognized and appreciated for who they truly are.
• Foster a Culture of Trust: Build and maintain a culture where trust is foundational. Encourage open dialogue and ensure your team members know their thoughts and feelings are respected and will not be judged harshly. Trust is the bedrock of psychological safety and authenticity.

Conclusion

As women of color in executive roles within higher education, your leadership journey is both unique and impactful. By infusing inclusivity into your leadership practices, you can create a psychologically safe environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. Encouraging diverse ideas, showing genuine interest in personal lives, recognizing individual strengths, and fostering authenticity are key strategies to enhance your leadership effectiveness and the well-being of your team. Embrace these practices to not only boost your confidence but also to inspire and uplift those around you. Together, we can create a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient academic community.