Why Inclusive Leadership?

We have learned from both empirical studies and experience that highly engaged, well-managed, diverse teams far out-perform their counterparts. At Amherst College, we firmly believe that Inclusive Leadership is a key component to each of these conditions.

People don’t change just because they’re educated and motivated; they change because the cultures that they are a part of begin to call them to new behaviors.”   ∼Howard Ross, Reinventing Diversity

Inclusive Leadership:

  • Creates an inclusive culture that leverages diverse talents
  • Builds trust through equity, candor, transparency
  • Motivates all employees to innovate, excel, grow personally and professionally; clears the path for them to do so
  • Champions the value and importance of D&I through equitable practices including hiring, development, promotion & retention
  • Helps position staff as key partners in building a diverse and inclusive community
  • Empowers and supports change agents
  • Allows all employees to bring their best selves to their work
  • Furthers the mission and values of the institution

Diversity and ability complement one another: the better the individual fruits, the better the fruit basket, and the better the other fruit, the better the apple.”   ∼Scott Page, The Differencey