Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams - Audiobook (Unabridged)

Humans have two basic needs: to stand out and to fit in. Companies tend to react to those needs by creating groups where everyone fits in and no one stands out, or where everyone stands out and no one fits in. How do we find that happy medium where workers can demonstrate their individuality while also feeling they belong? Stefanie Johnson pioneered Inclusify as the answer. Unlike “diversifying” or “including,” Inclusifying implies a continuous, sustained effort towards helping diverse teams feel engaged, empowered, accepted, and valued. It’s no use having diversity if everyone feels like an outsider. In her research, Johnson found common problems leaders exhibit which frustrate their attempts to create diverse and cohesive teams. Leaders that underestimated the importance of the collective often have employees who do not feel like they belong; leaders that ignore the benefits of listening to different perspectives leave some people feeling like they cannot be their unique selves. By contrast, leaders who Inclusify can forge strong relationships with their teams, inspire greater productivity from all of their workers, and create a more positive environment for everyone. Inclusify reveals the unexpected ways that well-intentioned leaders undermine their teams, resulting in a lack of inclusion. It explains how to recognize the myths and misperceptions that drive these behaviors, and provides practical roadmaps and strategies to become an Inclusifier. By learning why uniqueness and belonging are so imperative to their employees, leaders can better understand what makes their followers tick and find ways to encourage everyone to be themselves while ensuring that they also feel like part of the team. The end result is a fully engaged team filled with diverse perspectives that create innovative and creative ideas that drive value. Inclusifying is the leadership skill of tomorrow, but you can capitalize on it today. Inclusifying can change a company in a transformative and permanent way, making it possible for unique perspectives to be heard, thus allowing the best, most innovative, and creative solutions to emerge. Read Less