Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey’s Post

Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice we make every day. In today’s world, diversity is everywhere—it’s in our teams, our communities, and our workplaces. But diversity alone isn’t enough. As leaders, we must actively choose to foster inclusion. It’s about more than just acknowledging differences; it’s about embracing them, creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard. When we make the conscious decision to include, we go beyond mere tolerance. We create environments where diverse perspectives are not just welcomed but celebrated. 🎉 This commitment to inclusion drives innovation, strengthens our teams, and sets the stage for long-term success. Let’s lead with intention and ensure that every voice matters, every day. 🤝 #intention #longtermsuccess #inclusion #community

Happy Thursday to you! I hope you are having an outstanding week celebrating all the small wins. As I continue to think about conversations on inclusion, I’ve been reflecting on the most common questions I receive. I’m always thrilled to hear about someone reading one of my medium.com articles. Yet, one common question is how do I get my organization or leadership to focus on inclusion if they aren’t already? My response is two-fold. The first response is that within the organizational setting – There is a need to emphasize the value proposition of inclusion. From a strength-based inclusion perspective, having someone bring a varied lived experience, we receive cultural additions vs. cultural fit. There is a freshness to a new perspective that sees things we wouldn't normally see within the organization. Think of it as collective individualism, the idea of harnessing our individualism for collective good. The second piece of it is to bring inclusion. Share your story and share the experiences that you are having as you are becoming more inclusive. The greatest gift I can provide is to continue to share my story and allow people to see the inclusivity in me that may inspire them on their path. We are all in this together. No matter how it may appear. I am thrilled to have you along for the journey. Have a wonderful day! #inclusionontheslopes #joyofinclusion #inclusionexpansion #strengthbasedinclusion #consultant

At least half a dozen of my recent clients have asked me: 🤔Does providing professional coaching to historically marginalized folks in corporate spaces actually improve their career outcomes? Or is it just smoke and mirrors/a tokenizing gesture?🫣 And I totally get the question and where it's coming from, trust me. Here's my response: It depends💭💭💭 If coaching is the ONLY intervention offered (ie it's not combined with mentorship and especially sponsorship), the likelihood of sustainable improvements to inclusion efforts is sketchy. 😬 If a systemic approach to increasing inclusion is not concurrently implemented, the likelihood of sustainable improvements to inclusion efforts is sketchy. 😬 Most importantly: If the senior leadership is not explicitly setting the example and tying performance (and incentive pay) to specific and aligned inclusion objectives, the likelihood of sustainable improvements to inclusion efforts is sketchy. 😬 My final salt-bae-sprinkled🌶 take: 🔥Senior leadership itself must model desired inclusive behaviors - Boards of Directors need to hold C-levels accountable; tying compensation and performance to said inclusion objectives is putting 💰 behind the talk. DM me to discuss!

Diversity and inclusion are often mentioned together, but they are not the same. Diversity is about having a mix of different people in an environment—different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. However, inclusion is about creating an environment where those diverse voices are not only present but also heard, valued, and empowered. It's not enough to have diversity alone. Without inclusion, diversity is just a statistic. When we focus on inclusion, we ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed. This combination fosters innovation, drives growth, and builds stronger, more cohesive teams. True progress happens when diversity and inclusion work hand in hand. That’s where the real magic happens. #Diversity #Inclusion #Leadership #TeamBuilding #Innovation

“Diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being a part of the party planning committee” – Daniel Juday, M.Ed, C.D.P. Today, as we celebrate Diversity Day, I’m reminded of how important it is to not just talk about diversity but also prioritise inclusion as the starting point. Many organisations use the term I&D—Inclusion and Diversity—because progress begins when we ensure everyone is part of the conversation and the decision-making process. Equity, of course, is the crucial piece that ensures we provide fair chances to those from less privileged backgrounds. It’s not about giving everyone the same, but about giving each person what they need to succeed. In my work, inclusive leadership has been a central theme. Today, I had the privilege of working with a team who shared their personal stories and reflections on what inclusive leadership means to them. It was a beautiful reminder that leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about being open, conscious, and committed to helping others thrive. Let’s take a moment today to celebrate diversity and deepen our commitment to inclusion and equity in our workplaces, communities, and beyond. #DiversityDay #Inclusion #Equity #InclusiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment

Did you know that teams with inclusive leaders are 20% more likely to say they make high quality decisions? Diversity and inclusion are drivers for sustainable growth. We can show you how, through our high-impact core inclusion content. https://hubs.la/Q02w11K80

🌟 Let's talk about INCLUSION 🌟 Inclusive environments allow everyone to shine, regardless of their background, identity, or perspective. 🔹Embrace diversity - it's a key ingredient for innovation and growth in any organization. 🔹Listen actively and with empathy to truly understand different viewpoints. 🔹Create a safe space where all voices are heard and valued. Remember, inclusion is not just a buzzword - it's a mindset that drives positive change and fosters a sense of belonging for all. Let's commit to building a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive! 💫 #InclusionMatters #DiversityInTech #Belonging #Empathy #Innovation #Leadership #LinkedInThoughtLeadership

"Inclusion is not about bringing people into what already exists; it is making a new space, a better space for everyone." As we continue to champion diversity and inclusion, it's essential to ask ourselves: Are we truly reimagining our workplaces, or are we simply adding diversity to existing structures that weren't designed for everyone? Creating a truly inclusive environment means challenging the status quo, rethinking traditional norms, and ensuring that every voice is not only heard but also valued and influential in shaping the future. How can we, as leaders and change-makers, go beyond surface-level diversity and make our organizations places where everyone feels they belong and can thrive? I'd love to hear your thoughts on what it takes to move from diversity to true inclusion. What steps have you seen work, and where do you see room for growth? #DEI #Inclusion #Leadership #Belonging #WorkplaceCulture

This week the issue of inclusion has been on my mind, both in terms of my personal journey, and in working on projects. This is what I think I have learnt: How to be inclusive 1. Create the right environment for being open. 2. Take time to gain trust. 3. Be curious. Ask people what they need to be open. 4. Encourage people (including those who are "in charge") to share their personal stories. 5. Be bold and address the things that are stopping people feeling able to talk openly. 6. Change the way you do things. 7. Check that the changes are working for all. What do you think? How should this list be improved?

What does inclusion mean at the workplace? Inclusion is a feeling of being welcomed, acknowledged, and respected for one’s unique background, experiences, and identity. Inclusion is a powerful way to activate diversity at the workplace - and allow people to experience connection and belonging. When included, you experience equality and that your being at work matters. You aren't a number, a resource – or one of the minions. You feel seen, heard, and respected for your share of talents and experiences. You aren't talked down to or brushed aside in favour of those more senior or important to you. Your achievements aren’t undermined. You are not forgotten in an email when contributing to larger team goals. Your ideas aren't ignored, judged or mocked. When inclusion happens, most people stay much longer with organisations, do more and commit more deeply than financial incentives might explain. #inclusiveleadership #leadershipdevelopment #leadership