Becoming An Inclusive Leader

Melanie Johnson

2023-2024 Vice President of Career Development

In today’s increasingly diverse world, it is important for leaders to both embrace, and represent, their own unique cultures to create diverse, inclusive environments that celebrate our differences; specifically those in the Hispanic community. In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, we will explore strategies to help you become a more inclusive leader within your community.

Listen and Learn

Listening and then implementing what you learned is essential to being an effective and inclusive leader. By listening to what others have experienced, you can create a space where they feel safe to share their ideas, challenges, and aspirations without fearing judgment. Listening and learning allows you to show genuine interest in the other person. It also demonstrates that you respect their strengths and ideas that come with their diverse perspective.

Empower

Empowerment will enable others to take initiatives. It can become an amazing opportunity to build inclusivity. Empowerment will help achieve long term goals and build trust with those around you. Communication is one of the best ways to start empowering others. You can give praise when they have done something great, or even feedback when they need a little guidance! It is essential to understand a person for all that they are in order to empower them. Communication will help you to do this!

Acceptance

In order to truly support all community members, it is crucial to establish culturally inclusive policies and practices. You can do this by learning about various cultures and religions, implementing practices that will include rather than exclude, and organizing workshops to spread awareness to other members of your community. As you do this, do not alienate! These initiatives will help foster respect and empathy. In turn, this respect and empathy will protect members of your community from harassment or discrimination based on their race, language, orientation, religion, or culture.

Difference

Representation matters! You can become a difference maker, and lead by example. You can foster an environment that promotes equality and equity. As a leader, it is essential to create an environment that treats everyone equally and provides opportunities to everyone. Treat everyone with respect and dignity so that individuals have the chance to thrive and freely contribute without the fear of being judged. Create an environment where exclusion is not tolerated. Seek out diverse individuals to become leaders and representatives. Remember that leadership is an action - not a position!

THE DECA DIFFERENCE