WHY SENIOR EXECUTIVES MUST BE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS TO BE INCLUSIVE LEADERS

When guiding a Senior Executive on inclusive leadership practices, it’s important that the lesson plan doesn’t just focus on “active listening” but also includes “active participation.” 

In my experience, its powerful to encourage Senior Executives to join or serve as sponsors of Employee Resource Groups that they do not self-identify with personally.

This “active participation” builds trust and credibility as the Executive has the power to own actions and escalate challenges on behalf of employees. Challenges employees face are often discussed in meetings where Senior Executives find themselves too busy to attend.

Being in the room where it's discussed allows Executives to serve as change agents and role models for inclusive leadership.