Human-Centered Leadership: A DEI Approach to Inclusive Leadership
In the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), understanding and addressing Human-Centered Leadership is crucial. Human-Centered Leadership is a significant aspect of this discourse, but what exactly does it entail?
Definition:
Human-Centered Leadership is a leadership approach that prioritises people’s well-being, experiences, and growth while fostering a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and empowerment. This leadership style aligns with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles by valuing diverse perspectives, ensuring equitable opportunities, and creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued and heard.
Understanding Human-Centered Leadership:
In today’s evolving workplaces, traditional authoritative leadership is giving way to more empathetic and inclusive leadership models. Human-Centered Leadership shifts the focus from profits and processes to people, recognising that an engaged, diverse workforce is a key driver of innovation and success.
At its core, Human-Centered Leadership revolves around three key pillars:
- Empathy and Emotional Intelligence – Leaders must understand and consider the emotions, perspectives, and needs of their employees.
- Equity and Inclusion – Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have access to the same opportunities and resources.
- Empowerment and Growth – Encouraging employees to develop professionally and personally, while providing them with the necessary support.
Example:
A leading example of Human-Centered Leadership is Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. Under his leadership, Microsoft has shifted toward an inclusive and growth-oriented culture. Nadella’s approach emphasises empathy, continuous learning, and fostering a diverse workforce. By prioritising people’s experiences, he has transformed Microsoft into an innovation-driven company where employees feel valued and empowered
Conclusion:
Human-Centered Leadership is a transformative leadership model that aligns with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles. By prioritising people over processes, organisations can cultivate an inclusive culture that drives engagement, innovation, and long-term success. Adopting this leadership style not only enhances workplace diversity but also creates a more equitable and inclusive environment for all.
References:
Kennedy, K., Campis, S., & Leclerc, L. (2020). Human-Centered Leadership:: Creating Change From the Inside Out. Nurse leader, 18(3), 227-231. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1541461220300744
Morris, M. L., & Morris, J. (2024). Human Centered Leadership. In The Sage Handbook of Human Resource Development. Sage Publications Ltd. https://books.google.com.ng/books?hl=en&lr=&id=0LAcEQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA347&dq=Human-Centered+Leadership+++&ots=8dhHB2q7CC&sig=dVdNoV3jseN0dM5648H5Ajg-F6Q&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Human-Centered%20Leadership&f=false
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