Here's how you can cultivate inclusivity and respect through your communication practices.

Respect and inclusivity through your communications is understanding that everyone does not communicate the same. Be an active listener and not a defender ready to defend your thoughts with a response. Consider age, culture, disabilities, language, and nonverbal cues. Ask questions if you don't understand and be willing to explain your intent in asking for clarification beyond I don't understand you or your accent is too heavy. Be mindful of your tone and delivery.

Cultivating inclusivity and respect through communication involves several key strategies. Active listening ensures all voices are heard and valued, creating a space where everyone feels respected. Using clear, inclusive language avoids bias and jargon, making messages accessible to all and respecting cultural differences. Encouraging open dialogue encourages honest communication, addressing concerns and promoting inclusivity. Providing opportunities for feedback, organizing regular team meetings for idea sharing, and offering anonymous suggestion boxes for those hesitant to speak up are effective practices for a more inclusive and respectful workplace.

To foster inclusivity and respect through communication, it's essential to actively listen, be mindful of language, and create an open environment. Start by unequivocally encouraging open dialogue where every voice is valued and heard. Utilize inclusive language that respects diverse backgrounds and experiences, while avoiding terms that may alienate or offend. Practice active listening by giving full attention, acknowledging others' perspectives, and responding thoughtfully. Additionally, be aware of non-verbal communication cues, such as body language and facial expressions, to ensure they align with your inclusive message.

In my experience as a former salon/spa owner in the Marriott where we had a global clientelle it was imperative to listen carefully, verify with verbal acknowledgements and sometimes gestures to make sure the speaker was not only heard, but understood. This ability opened not only the doors of communication and trust, but built cross-cultural friendships and relationships that endure even today.

Truly listening to someone goes a long way in making them feel valued. It’s not just about hearing words but understanding the emotions and thoughts behind them. Show that you’re engaged by nodding, asking questions, and summarizing what they’ve said. It shows you care about their perspective.

Open-ended questions are a great way to ensure we are operating from a place of seeking to understand and empathy. When our brains are coming from a place of curiosity it is nearly impossible for us to judge at the same time. Our teams deserve our empathy and seeking to understand while also trying to address root causes.

This can look like switching your language from "Guys" to "Y'all". I caught myself saying guys a lot early on and now it is has become second nature to use more inclusive language such as y'all. The other element of this is being open to feedback. If someone brings up that something we said was offensive, we should again go back to the curiosity and thank them for bringing it to our attention. Its typically not comfortable for others to give us feedback so when they do it, we need to show appreciation and implement it.

Correct language ensures that your message is heard. Every new population I work with, I do a forensic study of the culture to learn communication style, pattern of speech, and perspective within the paradigm. This is essential to ensure the language I use is received the way I intend it to be. Misunderstandings can be a giant roadblock to successful initiatives. A program I roll out, with the intent to aid a community, is moot, if I can’t create a buy-in with the community it is intended to aid. Language choice holds the power to instigate positive change or facilitate stagnation. Words always matter, so use the wisely.

Our body language often speaks louder than words. Make eye contact, smile, and maintain an open posture to create a welcoming environment. Be mindful of your facial expressions and gestures, as they can convey respect and empathy, making others feel more comfortable and included.

Use SIR Acronym Model: S-Specific Situation Describe the specific situation or behavior you observed. I - Impact Explain the impact this situation had on you or the team. R - Result State the desired outcome you'd like to see in the future. Example: S: During yesterday's team meeting, you interrupted Sarah three times while she was presenting her project update. I: This made Sarah appear flustered, and she struggled to complete her presentation. It also made me feel uncomfortable as the team leader. R: In future meetings, I'd like you to wait until the presenter has finished speaking before offering your input. If you have an urgent question, please raise your hand or use the chat function to indicate you'd like to speak

Constructive feedback fosters growth and mutual respect. When giving feedback, be kind and specific, focusing on behaviors rather than personal traits. Encourage others to share their thoughts as well, creating a two-way dialogue that builds trust and understanding.

When we keep learning about different cultures, we open ourselves up to a whole new world of ideas and ways of seeing things. It shows that we care about understanding and connecting with people who might be different from us. Being curious, open-minded, and willing to challenge our own assumptions means our interactions become richer, more respectful, and more meaningful. By understanding different communication styles and social norms, we naturally become better communicators and avoid cultural misunderstandings, becoming the kind of people who can connect with others from all walks of life.

Elevate different voices and rightfully attribute great ideas during meetings. When running goal-focused meetings, invite team members with diverse backgrounds to the table. This will position the group for deeper, more thoughtful collaboration. Then allow more people to offer their ideas, and be intentional about calling on team members that don't normally volunteer to speak. Finally, give praise and recognition to the first person to introduce a great idea, and allow them to present more details instead of letting the go-getters take over the conversation.