From Culture Fit to Culture Add: Redefining Inclusion in Organizations

In a recent episode of the Custom Made podcast, host Kelly Helfman and guest Sacha Thompson explore the importance of self-reflection and self-work in fostering inclusive environments in the workplace. Sacha, the founder of The Equity Equation, stresses the significance of beginning with oneself when striving for inclusivity.

Starting with Yourself

Sacha emphasizes the need for individuals, particularly leaders, to examine their values, beliefs, and experiences. By gaining insight into their own worldview and biases, individuals can identify areas for personal growth and development. This internal work is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Authenticity and Humility

The conversation also touches on the value of authenticity and humility in leadership. Sacha and Kelly discuss the importance of being genuine, humble, and open to feedback. Leaders who demonstrate vulnerability and authenticity create a safe space for others to do the same, fostering a culture of trust and openness.

Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Sacha and Kelly delve into the role of emotional intelligence and empathy in creating inclusive environments. They highlight the need for leaders to manage their emotions, actively listen, and show empathy towards their team members. By recognizing and validating emotions, leaders can better connect with their employees and address issues effectively.

Listening and Learning

The episode underscores the importance of active listening and continuous learning. Sacha and Kelly emphasize the value of listening to employees, seeking diverse perspectives, and being open to feedback. By engaging with others and embracing different viewpoints, leaders can cultivate a culture of respect, understanding, and collaboration.

Applying Personal Growth to All Relationships

The insights shared in the episode extend beyond the workplace and are applicable to all relationships. The principles of self-reflection, authenticity, emotional intelligence, and empathy are crucial for nurturing healthy and inclusive connections in various aspects of life, including family, friendships, and partnerships.

In conclusion, the episode highlights the transformative impact of self-reflection and self-work in creating inclusive environments. By starting with oneself, embracing authenticity, practicing emotional intelligence, and actively listening, individuals can contribute to building a culture of inclusivity, respect, and understanding in the workplace and beyond.

Leaders play a vital role in fostering psychological safety within their teams by prioritizing authenticity, empathy, and openness to feedback. Sacha Thompson emphasizes the importance of creating environments where team members feel comfortable speaking up, sharing their perspectives, and challenging the status quo without fear of reprisal.

Authenticity: Sacha underscores the significance of leaders being authentic in their interactions with team members. Authenticity involves being genuine, transparent, and true to oneself. By demonstrating vulnerability and acknowledging areas for growth, leaders can establish a culture of trust and openness within the team, fostering stronger relationships and a more inclusive environment.

Empathy: Empathy is another essential trait for leaders to cultivate in promoting psychological safety. Sacha discusses the importance of understanding others’ perspectives, stepping into their shoes, and considering their emotions. By practicing empathy, leaders can show care and understanding towards their team members, creating a sense of belonging and support. Empathy enables leaders to connect on a deeper level with their team, enhancing communication and collaboration.

Openness to Feedback: Sacha highlights the value of being receptive to feedback as a leader. Constructive feedback offers valuable insights for growth and improvement. Leaders who welcome feedback and actively listen to their team members foster an environment where open communication is encouraged. By accepting feedback gracefully and using it as a tool for personal and professional development, leaders demonstrate humility and a willingness to learn, further enhancing psychological safety within the team.

In conclusion, by embodying authenticity, empathy, and openness to feedback, leaders can establish a culture of psychological safety where team members feel respected, heard, and valued. These qualities not only contribute to a more inclusive and supportive work environment but also foster trust, collaboration, and growth within the team.

• Building diverse teams and encouraging diverse perspectives leads to innovation and growth in organizations.

In the episode, Kelly Helfman and Sacha Thompson discuss the importance of building diverse teams and fostering diverse perspectives within organizations. Sacha, as a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert, emphasizes the value of creating inclusive environments where individuals from different backgrounds feel acknowledged, heard, and valued. She highlights that diversity goes beyond just hiring people who look different but also involves embracing a variety of perspectives, experiences, and ideas.

Sacha emphasizes that diverse teams are crucial for driving innovation and growth within organizations. By bringing together individuals with unique viewpoints and backgrounds, teams can approach challenges from different angles, leading to creative solutions and new opportunities. She stresses the need for leaders to move away from the traditional concept of “culture fit” and instead focus on “culture add,” where individuals contribute diverse perspectives that enhance the overall team dynamic.

The conversation between Kelly and Sacha underscores the idea that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential components of a successful and thriving organization. By encouraging open communication, active listening, and empathy, leaders can create environments where all team members feel empowered to share their ideas and perspectives. This inclusive approach not only fosters a sense of belonging and psychological safety but also drives innovation and growth by leveraging the collective strengths of a diverse team.

Overall, the episode highlights the transformative power of diversity and inclusion in driving organizational success. By embracing diverse perspectives, fostering a culture of empathy and openness, and actively listening to team members, leaders can create environments where innovation flourishes, and growth becomes inevitable.