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How to strike the balance with hybrid working
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In today’s diverse workplace, it's not uncommon for managers to lead teams with a wide range of cultural backgrounds, beliefs, lifestyles, and worldviews. As a leader, you may not always share the same perspectives or values as your team members—but your ability to embrace diversity with professionalism, empathy, and neutrality is essential for building a healthy and inclusive work culture.
Diversity brings fresh ideas, better decision-making, and a more innovative and engaged team. But these benefits only come to life when people feel safe to be themselves—when their manager leads by example.
Your role isn’t to agree with every belief, but to support every person’s right to belong, regardless of background, identity, or viewpoint. A leader’s true impact lies in creating psychological safety, where people feel respected and valued.
Let’s be honest—there will be times when your personal values or opinions don’t align with someone on your team. That’s human. What matters is how you respond.
Here’s how to lead with neutrality and respect:
Separate the person from the perspective.
Your team member is more than a belief system—they’re a valuable contributor with unique strengths. Focus on the individual, not the difference.
Stay aware of unconscious bias.
Check in with yourself. Are your reactions rooted in fairness, or personal discomfort? Awareness is the first step to neutrality.
Avoid assumptions.
Don’t assume someone’s intent or beliefs based on one characteristic. Give space for people to share their stories on their terms.
Be curious, not judgmental.
It’s okay to not understand everything. Ask questions (when appropriate), listen deeply, and approach difference with curiosity rather than critique.
Lead with the company’s values.
Even when personal views differ, the company’s stance on inclusivity should guide your decisions. Your role is to uphold a professional and respectful environment for everyone.
Neutrality doesn’t mean passivity—it means being fair, open, and grounded. It’s about creating an atmosphere where all voices matter, and no one feels “othered.” When you remain neutral, you show your team that professionalism can coexist with personal beliefs—that people can work together respectfully, even in difference.
Inclusion isn’t about perfection—it’s about effort. You won’t always get it right, but the willingness to learn, unlearn, and lead with empathy goes a long way.
By embracing diversity—even when it challenges you—you demonstrate integrity, courage, and emotional intelligence. And those are the hallmarks of a truly great leader.
