Inclusive leadership- An Imperative Need

Jesse Jackson rightly said, “Leadership cannot just go along to get along. Leadership must meet the moral challenge of the day.” With changing times and increasing diversity, leaders must adapt their style to meet the current needs. No two individuals are the same, and thus, there are countless ways to lead. However, the core values of leadership—respect, empathy, and fairness—should remain constant.

An inclusive leader considers all perspectives and approaches situations with openness. Such leaders do not believe in force or oppression; instead, they prioritize people, ensuring everyone progresses without anyone being left behind.

In today’s challenging world, inclusive leadership in corporates is more important than ever. Employees often face struggles beyond their work, such as personal, physical, or mental challenges. A leader who handles these with grace not only becomes more efficient but also motivates their team to be more productive.

Respect and equal opportunity are fundamental rights. Diversity enriches a team, bringing unique qualities and fresh ideas that foster innovation. Yet biases based on gender, caste, race, or religion can undermine teamwork. Organizations promoting inclusiveness enable leaders to act without bias, valuing every team member equally.

Good leaders acknowledge their flaws and welcome feedback, understanding that mistakes create space for growth. Embracing diverse opinions and non-judgmental attitudes are key to fostering an inclusive environment.

An inclusive workplace brings together diverse backgrounds and disciplines, promoting collaboration and unity across hierarchies. This culture sends a powerful message about the organization’s ethics and work environment.

For example, McDonald’s “BETTER TOGETHER: Gender Balance and Diversity Strategy” aims to reduce gender disparity by encouraging female participation in technology roles like AI, cybersecurity, and data science. This initiative also involved senior leaders publicly committing to inclusion, demonstrating the power of inclusive leadership.

Many organizations now prioritize inclusivity to create a sense of belonging, boosting employee loyalty and morale. Happy, engaged employees are invaluable brand ambassadors, reducing turnover and driving success. HR teams should inspire more leaders to adopt inclusive leadership styles.

A true leader is compassionate, humble, aware of unconscious biases, open to criticism, and treats everyone with respect and equal opportunity. In a world where social factors can lead to unequal treatment, inclusive leadership ensures fairness and empowers employees to unleash their creativity and talent. For a better world, we need such leaders to guide the way.

How Vivekanand Business School (VBS) Fosters Inclusive Leadership through Experiential Learning

At Vivekanand Business School (VBS), Mumbai, leadership development is a core focus of the PGDM program. VBS believes in nurturing future managers who are not only skilled but also socially responsible and inclusive in their leadership approach.

Through its experiential learning pedagogy, VBS offers students real-world exposure via live projects, internships, and collaborative activities that cultivate leadership qualities grounded in empathy and diversity. The school’s unique Guru Shishya Program provides personalized mentorship, encouraging students to embrace inclusiveness and ethical leadership.

Recognized among the top PGDM colleges in Mumbai, VBS equips students with the skills needed to lead diverse teams successfully and thrive in today’s global business environment. If you aspire to develop your leadership capabilities with a focus on inclusion and practical experience, VBS offers the right platform to start your journey.

Rithika Rao
PGDM Batch 2020-2022

Vivekanand Business School