From manager to inclusive leader: traits and tactics for success

Abstract

Purpose With ever increasing crises situations, the organizations need nonconventional leaders to solve new problems at workplace while successfully leading millennials and Gen Z employees. The author offers a solution to this by presenting a process to transform managers into inclusive leaders. This involves development of six key attributes in managers and utilizing tactics to internalize these attributes in managers’ behavior. Design/methodology/approach The paper describes six key behavioral traits and tactics to transform managers into inclusive leaders by reviewing existing literature in the field of inclusive leadership. Findings The paper finds that preparing inclusive leaders is a process that can be achieved through organization-wide programs and initiatives. Preparing such leaders involves development of six signature traits namely, curiosity, cognizance of bias, courage, cultural intelligence, collaboration and commitment. Once these traits are learned by managers, several tactics can be used for internalization of these traits managers’ behavior. Practical implications Leading through conventional leadership styles in this era of unprecedented work settings will not solve the new-age complex problems arising at work. This calls for building leaders who are able to lead with empathy and cultural intelligence. Originality/value Despite a plethora of literature on various leadership styles, many uphill challenges being faced by organizations could only be solved by building inclusive leaders. To answer this problem, this study demonstrates six key traits to be developed in managers followed by application of the right tactics to help managers internalize these traits and become successful at practicing the art of “Inclusive Leadership.”