Understand the Value of Inclusive Leadership

Learning Objectives

After completing this unit, you’ll be able to:

• Explain the power of inclusion.
  
• Describe the business impact of inclusion.
  

The Power of Inclusion

What does inclusion feel like? It feels like when you enter a room and you don’t have to check any part of yourself at the door. When your unique characteristics are celebrated. When you can raise your voice and be unequivocally heard. When opportunities are accessible, and there are no boundaries to performing the best work of your career. That’s the power of inclusion.

People want to work for companies that understand, welcome, and support them. At Salesforce, we describe the power of inclusion as feeling “proudly you.”

The Business Impact of Inclusion

Research shows that feeling a sense of belonging has a profound impact on your quality of work and the pride you have for your company. According to Salesforce research:

• Employees who feel they can be their authentic selves at work are 2.8x more likely to be proud to work there.
  
• Employees who feel their voice is heard at work are 4.6x more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work.
  
• Employees who feel a sense of belonging at work are 5.3x more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work.
  

Additionally, a report in the Deloitte Review found that an inclusive culture helps drive the bottom line. The study determined that organizations with inclusive cultures are:

• 2x as likely to meet or exceed financial targets.
  
• 3x as likely to be high-performing.
  
• 6x more likely to be innovative and agile.
  
• 8x more likely to achieve better business outcomes.
  

It’s clear that creating an inclusive workplace is the smart thing to do. When you commit to making your employees feel valued, heard, and recognized, you foster stronger company cultures, become a destination workplace, innovate faster, and outperform your peers. Keep in mind the immense power of inclusion on us all.

Now that you recognize the power of inclusion, in the next unit, explore the traits that define inclusive leaders.