The dynamics of an inclusive environment

Regardless of environment and industry, there are factors that promote and inhibit inclusion. A clear and concise understanding about inclusivity and incorporating it into practice will generate an improved understanding of the dynamics of using this tool on a daily basis. Becoming knowledgeable about the differences is key for increasing engagement.

While competition is a natural occurrence in the work setting, undercurrents of incivility have the potential to arise among its members. However, when competition segues into resentment productivity tends to decrease. When this takes place behaviors such as unconscious bias typically take place.

Examples include:

• Team members who withhold information from others in the group

• Downplaying the value of the contributions of team members

• Interrupting or cutting others off as they are speaking

• Showing little interest in the ideas or opinions of team members

• Failing to acknowledge the ideas of team members

• Marginalizing team members by excluding them from professional social settings

• Withholding the ability for team members to perform stretch assignments

These instances are commonly directed at persons who are members of various identity groups with subtle or overt stereotypes being contributing factors. Recognizing these adverse behaviors is essential to the structure and growth of an association. Targeted groups on the receiving end of bias include gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, or education identities.

Fostering inclusivity incorporates the following:

• Showing and demonstrating genuine concern toward team members

• Working together to arrive at decisions that all can accept

• Making an extra effort to understand problems faced by others

• Going out of the way to make others feel welcome

• Resolving conflicts effectively

• Being critical of underlying assumptions when drawing conclusions about one another

• Efforts to uncover opposing or alternative views in order to try to better understand and solve problems

Teams develop shared understanding of the goals of the company and align members contributions toward those goals to do better than those who do not. It is not uncommon for teams to disagree about what needs to be done. Teams that triumph are those who invest upon a shared vision for leadership and growth. Before developing and cultivating the direction of the pathway of the team, it is best to be able to become familiar with behaviors that foster and promote inclusion. This will enable increased cohesion and minimize conflict.