Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams by Stefanie K. Johnson

In her book Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams, Stefanie K. Johnson shares strategies to build successful, innovative teams by leveraging the power of inclusion. In her book, Johnson argues for an approach to including a diverse group of professionals in the workplace that goes beyond just checking the diversity box. Johnson’s approach is to “embrace the power of belonging”, which involves creating an environment where the uniqueness of each individual is valued and celebrated.

Johnson explains that “belonging is a psychological state”, where people feel accepted and appreciated. This state provides the perfect foundation for teams to work together effectively, as it allows members to give their best and do their jobs without fear of judgement or feeling out of place. According to Johnson, “belonging enhances cooperation, creativity, and innovation”.

To help teams create the feeling of belonging that Johnson proposes, she outlines nine key concepts that should be implemented. The first concept is “Crowdsource InclusFYI”, which is the practice of leveraging the unique qualities and experiences of each person on the team to their full potential. This involves understanding the strengths, weaknesses, motivations and other key attributes each team member brings to the table and leveraging those for the benefit of the team.

The second concept she outlines is called “Signpost and Celebrate”, which is the act of recognizing and praising the meaningful contributions and successes of each team member. This helps recognize individual team members and their accomplishments, which in turn will promote a feeling of connection and belonging.

The third concept Johnson outlines is “Fail Forward”, which is the practice of allowing team members to learn from their mistakes and move forward successfully. This encourages innovation and risk-taking, which are integral components of building an innovative team.

Other concepts include “Power Up”, which is the process of reviewing and revising job descriptions to ensure they accurately reflect the vision and capabilities of the team; “Create Clarity”, which is the practice of communicating clearly and often; “Understand and Enhance”, which is the practice of understanding employee needs and understanding how to meet those needs; and “Lead & Enable”, which is the practice of providing a clear direction and space for team members to excel.

Ultimately, Johnson’s goal is to create an environment where team members can embrace their unique qualities and focus on innovative problem-solving without fear of judgement or feeling out of place. By implementing these nine concepts, teams can set themselves up for success and unlock their full potential. Johnson advocates an approach that focuses on inclusion, rather than just checking boxes. Doing so will help foster an environment in which each individual feels appreciated and valued and teams can work together to create innovative solutions.