Why Inclusive Leadership is the Future?
Key Highlights & Thoughts of the Week
✅ Leadership must evolve to meet the challenges of today’s fast-changing world.
✅ Inclusive leadership fosters innovation, collaboration, and representation.
✅ Empathy and emotional intelligence are at the core of new-age leadership.
✅ Leaders must prioritize inclusion, diversity, and people over profits.
✅ The younger generation values belonging, not just authority.
Takeaways
🚀 Want to learn more?
Join our Spike Sparks Community and stay updated!
From Representation to Real Leadership
When Barack Obama became president in 2008, conversations in Britain turned to when we would see a similar historical moment—a person of colour becoming Prime Minister.
It felt as though there was a step forward for leadership development in what is seen as one of, if not the highest position in the world. It made people think about what could be going forward, how does leadership mentality grow even more?
Just over a decade later, the most senior political figures in England and Scotland are both of South Asian descent. Something that our leadership development should be proud of. Humza Yousaf became the first Muslim and non-white cabinet minister to serve in the Scottish Government, before succeeding Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the SNP and Scotland’s first minister.
Regardless of looks, the team in front of them want someone with the leadership mentality to embrace inclusion and make the right choices to thrive together in everything they do.
What Makes Inclusive Leadership So Powerful?
A Step Forward for Representation
This marked a huge step forward for representation, not least owing to Humza’s inclusive stances. Following his announcement, journalist Owen Jones tweeted him, “Congrats — and thank you for standing by LGBTQ people!” Historian Tanja Bueltmann echoed this, commenting: “Congratulations and thank you also for your words on belonging — wonderfully said.”
Yousaf’s victory speech was indicative of his stance on inclusion, sending a strong message to Scots:
“No matter what anyone says, no matter who you are, whether Scotland has been your home for a day, or for 10 generations, no matter your ethnicity, no matter your gender, no matter your religion, no matter your sexual orientation, your transgender identity or disability, this is your home and don’t let anyone ever tell you that you do not belong.”
The Rise of a New Age Leadership
Prioritising Empathy, Collaboration, and Inclusivity in a Changing World
While some have expressed concern that he brings a nationalist agenda to the Scottish Parliament, you can’t argue that he is approaching his premiership as one of the most inclusive leaders of recent years.
In this, we see what he stands for and who he represents: a younger, more embracing, new generation. It’s healthy, it’s an example of how leadership development should look like. We mustn’t allow homogeneity to thrive any longer – there are people in our society that feel underrepresented and unheard.
Adopting this leadership mentality opens the door for endless opportunities because you’ve opened the door to everyone. The younger generation are embracing each other so much more, it isn’t about what they look like, it’s about who they are inside – regardless of heritage, sexual orientation, or religion – everyone deserves a chance to be included.
Why Inclusive Leadership is No Longer Optional
Empowering a Future Built on Inclusion
In today’s world, where change is constant and the pace of innovation is rapid, new-age leadership is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.
Across business and society, young people are looking to the leaders that will provide a future they believe in. The days of top-down, command-and-control leadership styles are gone.
The new leadership style values empathy, emotional intelligence, inclusivity, and collaboration. It values people over profits and community over competition.
Leaders like Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Estonia’s Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, are leading the way with their new-age leadership styles. They understand that leadership isn’t just about making decisions from the top-down, but about empowering their people to work together towards a common goal.
Their approach to leadership prioritises the well-being of others, encourages collaboration and innovation, and values inclusivity.
How Leaders Can Adapt to the Changing World
Taking the Right Measures for Leadership Growth
We live in a world that is constantly adapting to advancements in technology, increases in racial and social awareness, and large generational shifts.
It is clear that the pace of change has never been this fast, but will never be this slow again. It is time that our leadership reflects this and can keep up with it.
Take whatever measures are necessary to ensure your leadership is reaching its full potential, whether it be:
✅ Inclusion workshops
✅ Leadership development programs
✅ Simply learning more about who your people are
💡 Great leadership is about constantly evolving.
Final Thought: Leadership Must Reflect the World We Live In
Inclusion is not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool that drives progress, innovation, and creates a better future for all.
To lead in extraordinary times, leaders must embrace extraordinary leadership.
Top Tips for Becoming an A-Player
🔥 Embrace difference—it is more vital than you realise.
🔥 When you sense a problem, walk towards it.
🔥 Your story is powerful—use it.
🔥 Confront challenging topics.
🔥 Be bold and take risks.
Further Reading & Learning
📖 Want to improve your leadership skills?
Check out this resource:
Learn More About Leadership Development
Engage With Us!
💬 Did you enjoy this article? Share your thoughts in the comments!
📲 Follow us on social media for more insights on leadership & inclusion.
