Learning Well: Effectively Growing Diverse Teams

In today’s workplace, effectively growing and managing diverse Teams is paramount to success. Southwest Airlines President Emeritus, the late Colleen Barrett, mastered this principle, and I am blessed to be able to apply her lessons firsthand from seeing years of her “walking the talk.”

First: It’s about People. At Southwest Airlines, every person brings value to our Company. We learned from Colleen the importance of fostering respectful and open communication, regardless of our differences. It is our responsibility as Leaders to identify, encourage, and cultivate the respective talents of our Employees. This proactive mindset paves the way for promoting diverse, cohesive and productive Teams. Encouraging Employees to voice their opinions, share their experiences, and contribute ideas creates a sense of belonging and trust. By establishing a safe space for everyone to express themselves, Leaders pave the way for unlocking the full potential of all People.

Second: Cultural understanding is essential for Leaders seeking to build great Teams. Actively engaging in learning about cultural differences, traditions and values provides a healthy dynamic to leverage different backgrounds and customs. By showing respect for various cultural perspectives and actively seeking to learn from those we serve, Leaders create an inclusive and harmonious work environment. In turn, this translates into higher morale, more creativity and optimal results.

Third: Effective communication is key. Leaders should adapt their communication styles to embrace varying preferences or even cultural norms in how Employees receive and digest information. This may include using multiple communication channels, providing clear instructions, and actively seeking feedback to ensure everyone feels heard and understood. Of course, a crucial component of effective communication—and the fastest way to support others in being their best—is to listen. When we listen, we learn! When we learn, we grow, and that leads to appreciating and better understanding differing backgrounds and thoughts.

Bottom line, growing and managing diverse Teams requires a combination of inclusive Leadership practices, effective communication strategies, and cultural sensitivity. By valuing and leveraging the unique contributions of each Employee, Leaders will cultivate a high-performing Team that thrives. Seeking to learn and understand the various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives each Team Member brings to the table not only promotes inclusivity but cultivates a more dynamic and collaborative work environment. 

Just as Colleen consistently demonstrated through her Servant’s Heart Leadership and countless contributions at Southwest for more than 50 years, “It’s about People!”