To foster belonging can be one of a leader’s most important roles. So how do we do that for women in the workplace? I know this is tough, first hand as my field is predominantly women. On my direct team, there are 17 women and 1 man. When working with a larger group of women and you consider personality differences, talents, weaknesses, work styles differences, and differing core values no two women are the same. Just like no two men are the same. If I worked with all men I would weigh all the same factors in trying to create a sense of community.
Some Practical ways to foster Belonging are:
Sharing, by being a mentor and sharing your story will be a relationship builder. Shared successes and failures provide a connection.
Respect give them your full attention and actively listen to what someone is telling you. Make eye contact while speaking with them this builds trust.
Delegate a task to them this shows that you have faith in their abilities and trust them
Request Feedback. Ask for their input and opinions on projects large and small. This will nurture the feelings of inclusion.
Create dialogue. Keep the communication lines open by creating an ongoing dialogue. Every time you pass someone in the hallways or office make a point to say hello ask how their day is going.
After doing the readings this week these ideas came to mind. I try my best to foster a sense of belonging with all my staff. The things listed above I do with all my employees, not just women. I believe that a sense of belonging is a basic human need, and by spending 80% of our lives at work we need to belong in our work-life. A sense of belonging promotes success.
Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership: Theory and practice.