Belonging in Leadership

Belonging within the framework of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a relatively new idea. It wasn’t until recently that we saw the “B” attached to DEI. However, belonging is not a new idea when it comes to what we need as human beings. Belonging is included as the third level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and includes traits such as friendship and a sense of connection. Maslow’s hierarchy has been in existence since 1943, yet many of us as leaders have failed to connect this basic human need to our organizational cultures.  

People need to feel like they are connected, not just outside of the workplace, but within the workplace as well. A leader has the privilege of creating a culture where each individual feels valued, accepted, and connected. This responsibility should not be taken lightly as individuals depend on their leader to provide them with the tools, resources, and experiences they need to operate at their best. When a leader fails to provide for a sense of belonging, individuals can feel lonely and disconnected, and therefore not achieve to their fullest potential in the workplace.  

We must remember that loneliness is not the absence of people, but rather the absence of connection. To foster a culture of belonging, it must start with you – the leader. Here are five steps you can take to foster a sense of belonging within your organization:

·      Create an inviting and safe workplace

·      Embrace storytelling

·      Celebrate each person

·      Build community in the workplace

·      Be intentional about taking interest in others personally and professionally

By following these five steps, you can create a workplace where everyone belongs. What would it look like for you to take a step toward creating a culture of belonging for your unique organization today?