Inclusive Language for Leaders

One area where leadership can unwittingly exclude people is in the language that they habitually use. Staff who come from different backgrounds are often confused by idioms and phrases that only native speakers can truly understand. In addition, some words carry negative connotations that reduce cohesion and exclude people central to the mission.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Improve awareness of gender-based, colonial, and culturally appropriate language
• Offer alternative words and phrases that are easier to understand and more inclusive