Diversity and inclusion have taken center stage in today's corporate landscape, ranging from teaching people how to relate to each other, treat each other, or even talk to each other.
Despite industry reports claiming and factually stating that DEI in any workplace is good for business, it is still treated as a mere 'nice-to-have'. This makes it even more important to pause and reflect on why this is still a 'nice-to-have’ and not a necessity. Do we even understand inclusion?
People often mistake diverse teams for inclusive. They miss the point, that inclusion is more about being involved and valued, it's about realizing that different people bring different ideas. When we mix it all together, we can do amazing things we never thought would be possible.
Inclusivity is more about the experience.
As a woman myself, when I reflect on the progress made towards gender equality, it seems there is still a long journey ahead. There's work to be done to ensure that we women are not only represented but also valued and empowered in our workplaces.
It’s about addressing subtle biases, challenging the status quo, and reimagining leadership paradigms that celebrate true inclusivity.
As leaders, it's our responsibility to confront these biases, whether they manifest in hiring decisions, promotions, or day-to-day interactions. To be willing to challenge norms to ensure fairness, and lastly, to move away from traditional hierarchical structures towards more collaborative ways of leadership.
And the solution to this is to collectively create an environment where everyone feels like they belong—a place where we all can bring our whole selves to work without fear of judgment or interruption.
Inclusive leadership is not just an abstract concept but a powerful practice that has the potential to transform workplaces and lives.
Cultivating this inclusive leadership at every stage, in both professional as well as personal life, needs an intentional effort.
In conclusion, leading with inclusion is not a forced responsibility; it's a privilege and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. And as a woman leader, I am committed to cultivating inclusion and leading by example in everything I do.
(Jyothi Jadhav, Vice President - Strategy, dentsu X India)