In today's rapidly evolving digital era, where remote work, digital communication, and instant access to information are commonplace, ensuring optimal inclusion is more critical than ever. 

For leaders and managers navigating these new waters, it's essential to understand that inclusion is a delicate balance. The goal? Ensure that your team feels genuinely included without compromising the efficiency of operations or the wellbeing of your employees. 

Understanding the inclusion spectrum

Picture inclusion as a spectrum with varying degrees of intensity. 

At one end, we have under-inclusion. Imagine where a team makes decisions without consulting all members or where team members inconsistently use communication channels, leaving some in the dark. 

We can characterise under-inclusion as a failure to acknowledge the unique needs and perspectives of individuals or groups. 

It can manifest when there's an erroneous assumption that everyone shares the same experience, or team leaders may prioritise specific individuals' needs above others. The outcome? Feelings of neglect, invisibility, and exclusion. 

At the opposite end of this spectrum lies over-inclusion. Have you ever been in a meeting and wondered why half the attendees were there? Or did you receive an email from a team leader who had cc'd the entire department, even when the matter concerned only a few? 

It represents over-inclusion—when too many are involved in tasks or discussions unnecessarily. While the intentions might be optimistic—keeping everyone informed or involved—it often leads to burnout, information overload, and inefficiency. 

Ideally, you want to find yourself in the sweet spot—optimal inclusion. It's the zone where the right people possess the correct information at the right time. Everyone feels valued, informed, and part of the core group without feeling overwhelmed. 

The repercussions of over-inclusion

Many of us have experienced over-inclusion, even if we haven't identified it as such. It can look like a project meant for two ballooning to involve ten or an employee constantly being looped into tasks and discussions irrelevant to their role. While the underlying idea might be to foster unity and keep everyone in the loop, the consequences can be dire. 

Over-inclusion can inadvertently infringe on other RISE principles, such as respect and support. Employees might feel their time isn't respected when frequently pulled into unnecessary meetings. Their mental bandwidth becomes exhausted, leading to reduced efficiency and job satisfaction. Over time, this can erode the sense of mutual respect and support within the team. 

Mastering thoughtful exclusion  

To achieve optimal inclusion, leaders must sometimes make the challenging decision to exclude—thoughtfully. The key here is intentionality, ensuring no one feels disregarded or undervalued. 

Communicate with clarity: When excluding someone from a meeting or communication, it's essential to explain why. For example, their expertise will be more valuable elsewhere, or perhaps you're protecting their time. Clear communication can prevent feelings of neglect. 

Observe reactions: Pay close attention to how team members respond when making decisions. Their responses can offer insights into whether they feel included and valued or overlooked. 

Inform regularly: Keep the lines of communication open. Even if someone isn't directly involved in a project, offering regular updates can make them feel connected. 

Provide options: Avoid assuming you know team members' preferences when it comes to where you include and where you thoughtfully exclude. Take time to seek perspectives and always offer people the option to be included if that’s what they want.   

Assure your intentions: Reiterate that any decision to exclude is made in the team's best interests and is never personal. 

Listen actively: Encourage feedback from your team about how they feel regarding inclusion. This feedback can guide future decisions. 

Remember, the foremost aim is to guarantee that inclusion efforts don't undermine other vital team principles, such as respect and support. 

Achieving optimal inclusion in the digital age requires awareness, intention, and frequent adjustments. 

By understanding the inclusion spectrum and employing the strategies outlined above, managers and leaders can create circumstances where every team member feels valued, informed, and optimally included, fostering a harmonious and productive workspace. 

Would you like to know more? Contact us here at Balance2Life to learn how we can positively affect your organisation, teams, and bottom line.