4 Tips to Elevate Your Inclusive Leadership Presence

Contributed by Dr. Aida Martinez-Freeman

Women entrepreneurs play a critical role in building and sustaining inclusive communities. Whether in the office, with clients, or out in the community, you hold the potential for strengthening and contributing to an inclusive society.

Too many women have been mentored into leadership styles that devalue compassion, mindfulness, connection, and humanity -- all of which are women-centered characteristics. Now more than ever, the world needs the type of leadership that women across identities bring to the table: inclusive leadership.

Believe it or not, how you show up in the community matters. You may be asking, "Okay, Dr. Aida, how do I know I'm on the right track?" Glad you asked. Here are four easily accessible tips to help you get started right away.

Tip #1: Grow Your Awareness

The first step in elevating your inclusive leadership presence is growing your awareness. Don't expect folks to educate you; that's your responsibility.

What events and pieces of training do you participate in? Seek events and training sessions that will help you learn and grow. I'm always posting opportunities on my Facebook and Instagram page, many at no cost but high quality.

Reflect on this question: What am I not seeing that others different from me may be seeing? Why is that? This reflection is especially important during key times of tensions or difficult events happening in our communities.

Tip #2: Increase Your DEI Literacy

Language matters in communities.

Ponder these questions:

Are you still using the term "minority" to refer to people of color or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities?
Do you use the term "people of color" when you really mean Black People? (By the way…it's okay to say "Black people.")
When meeting a new person, do you ask how to pronounce their names?
Do you ask for pronouns before you assume gender identity?

By no means do I think that a few changes in language fixes our social inequities. However, showing up also means staying up to date on inclusive language. If you're unsure of what term to use, ask!

Tip #3: Tune In To Your Compassion

Compassion is the concern we feel for another being's welfare, and it's what motivates us to take action. It pushes us to reconsider assumptions and stereotypes, thus creating a blueprint for a healthy and inclusive community.

The best way to build your compassion is to practice listening far more than speaking. Silence teaches us not to rush to judgment.

Pro Tip: Start a meditation practice. The more time you carve out to calm your nervous system and embrace silence, the more space you create for compassion.

Tip #4: Be VISIBLE

Get out in the community! Community involvement will help grow your network and expand your contacts. There are badass women entrepreneurs all around you -- you definitely want that spice in your life.

Think about your community involvement:

Where do you hold your meetings?
Who do you meet with?
Who do you do business with?
What partnerships do you have?
Who do you go out and support?

Get a Free 15-Minute Consultation and 30% Off

The world needs women’s leadership! WE Inc. members get a free 15-minute consultation and a 30% discount on your first coaching session upon completing a consultation.

About Dr. Aida

After 20 years of doing social justice strategic work in higher education, Dr. Aida Martinez-Freeman found herself craving to be out of the ivory tower and serving a wider community. In 2017, she started Taina (Tah-E-Nah) Coaching & Training, LLC with the idea that DEI work can be expanded to holistic coaching approaches, dynamic strategic processes, and ultimately a deeper contribution to healthier, more just communities.

Through coaching, team management, and strategic planning, Dr. Aida helps clients elevate their inclusive leadership presence so they can impact their communities with compassion and inclusivity.

Are you a woman thought leader who wants to share your content with our community? We proudly feature expert posts and interviews by our WE Partners. Learn More >