Inclusive Leadership: A Framework to Advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Cultivate Belonging

Abstract

Organizations that aim to achieve belonging must ensure strategies for nurturing inclusive leadership to sustain a culture of belonging in all settings. To advance our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) strategic plan, units and departments adopted the following 4 foundational principles as part of our inclusive leadership strategy: understand the perspectives of nursing and nursing support staff, patients, and families (living a shared vision and building relationships), maintain interprofessional engagement (practicing self-awareness), use data and evidence-based decision-making (creating change), and prioritize accountability and sustainability. Our multi-faceted inclusive leadership strategy aims to move forward toward authentic DEIB strategies by identifying and addressing all areas: knowledge, workforce diversity, community partnerships, psychological safety, and data. Our formal reporting structure sets an accountability standard throughout the organization and allows nursing to develop and implement successful initiatives for adoption in other areas.