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These days, there’s a lot of talk about leadership, what makes a great leader and, more importantly, how to create an inclusive environment with truly effective teams. However, in practice, few leaders manage to turn theory into reality and vision into results.

image: Freepik

It’s easy to find inspiring formulas and phrases on social media, but more often than not, those who write them have never led a small or large team or faced the daily challenges that this entails. But what makes a truly inspiring, inclusive and effective leader? And how can companies, which are increasingly concerned about diversity, equity and inclusion, ensure that their leaders are prepared for these global challenges?

Strategies that work in the real world

An effective leader is one who applies what he or she has learned in theory on the ground. If you think about it, many of today’s so-called “leadership gurus” simply recycle old ideas and adapt them to a modern format. However, formulas don’t work the same way in every organization. We need leaders who can adapt and create specific strategies for the context in which they find themselves.

An excellent example of this is the article “The Map on the Wall”, written by US Navy Commander Jack Curtis, who leads an air squadron made up of dozens of soldiers. Curtis shares his real-life leadership experience, focused on creating an inclusive and productive organizational culture, a constant challenge in an environment as demanding as the military.

Culture First

One of the shared practices is a simple but powerful one that could be adopted in any organization. In your office, there is a map of the United States on which each new team member places a pin with their place of origin. This small gesture symbolizes the recognition of each person’s diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences, underlining that differences are not weaknesses, but strengths. This first meeting serves not only to introduce the new employee, but also to affirm the commitment to inclusion and valuing diversity. In a company, as in a military team, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and listened to is the starting point for success.

image: Qualtrics

More Talks, Less Rules

Interestingly, he also advocates something that many leaders still find difficult to accept: that rules alone do not create an inclusive environment. Rules can actually stifle innovation and communication. Instead of imposing a rigid code of conduct, Curtis promotes open conversations on various topics, allowing team members to share their personal experiences. This approach creates an environment of psychological safety, where everyone feels comfortable talking and sharing. As a leader, it is essential to recognize that honest conversations generate more trust and cooperation than any imposed rule.

Focus on the team’s strengths

The real magic happens when a leader manages to make the most of his team’s individual qualities and talents. Gallup, in an extensive survey on strengths-based leadership, found that companies that adopt this approach manage to increase results by between 10% and 19%, improve profits by between 14% and 29%, and decrease turnover by between 6% and 72%, depending on the sector. An effective leader doesn’t try to mold all their employees in the same way, but rather values what sets them apart and leverages their unique talents. By doing so, companies become more innovative, efficient and resilient.

Physical Objects as Cultural Reminders

Another important aspect of this example of effective leadership is the use of symbols and physical objects that reinforce the organizational culture. Instead of relying solely on lists of values nailed to the walls, the use of the map with the pins act as visual reminders that diversity is a strength. These small gestures are powerful because they make the team feel part of something bigger, something with a clear purpose. Organizations that use similar elements to reinforce their culture, such as Pixar or Navy SEAL, demonstrate that the emotional and symbolic connection with the company’s mission can be one of the most decisive factors in long-term success.

Inclusion as a Tool for Success

Leadership and inclusion are skills that can be learned and developed. In this example I’ve shared, he himself assumes that it wasn’t something that came naturally. He himself admits that he only became a more inclusive leader when he encountered new cultural realities within the Navy. This experience taught him that in order to win, you have to get the best out of everyone, regardless of their origin, color or gender.

Ultimately, leading successfully, especially in such competitive and dynamic environments, is not just about imposing rules or achieving financial targets. It’s about creating a culture where every team member feels they belong to something bigger, where differences are respected and harnessed, and where the focus is on leveraging individual talents for collective success. And that is, without a doubt, the leader we would all like to have.

Article by Sérgio Almeida, in partnership with Vida Económica.