The Impact of Leadership Behaviors on Relational Trust, Inclusion, and Psychological Safety among LGBT Service Members
Certain leadership behaviors can promote relational trust, inclusion, and psychological safety among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members in the military. This article will explore these specific leadership behaviors and how they contribute to creating an inclusive environment for LGBT individuals.
Promoting Relational Trust
Relational trust is critical in any organization, including the military, because it fosters cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork. When leaders demonstrate trustworthiness through their actions and behavior, subordinates are more likely to follow instructions and work together toward common goals. Some strategies that can build relational trust among LGBT service members include:
1. Communication - Leaders should communicate openly and honestly with their subordinates about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. This helps create a culture where people feel safe to be themselves and express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or retaliation.
2. Transparency - Leaders should be transparent about policies and procedures related to diversity and inclusion, such as non-discrimination statements and complaint resolution processes. This helps ensure that everyone understands what is expected of them and provides accountability when issues arise.
3. Collaboration - Leaders should encourage collaboration among different groups within the unit, including LGBT service members, allies, and other minorities. This helps create a sense of community and belongingness that promotes mutual respect and support.
Fostering Inclusion
Inclusion refers to the practice of ensuring that all members of a group feel valued, respected, and supported. Leaders can promote inclusion by:
1. Modeling inclusiveness - Leaders should actively seek out diverse perspectives, voices, and experiences from different groups within the unit. They should also model positive behaviors that reinforce inclusive practices, such as welcoming new members and inviting participation in decision-making.
2. Recognizing achievements - Leaders should acknowledge and celebrate the successes of all team members, regardless of background or identity. This shows appreciation for each individual's unique contributions and encourages continued engagement.
3. Promoting awareness - Leaders should provide training on LGBT issues, including sensitivity training, cultural competency, and unconscious bias. This educates subordinates on how to interact with LGBT service members in a respectful manner and reduces discriminatory behavior.
Creating Psychological Safety
Psychological safety refers to creating an environment where people feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and speak up without fear of retaliation. Leaders can foster psychological safety by:
1. Encouraging open communication - Leaders should create an atmosphere where subordinates feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings freely. This includes providing opportunities for anonymous feedback, active listening, and affirmative responses to ideas and concerns.
2. Addressing conflict - Leaders should address conflicts promptly and fairly, avoiding blame or judgment. This helps establish trust and maintain relationships between team members.
3. Providing support - Leaders should be available to offer emotional and practical support when needed, especially during times of stress or transition. This shows empathy and commitment to the wellbeing of their team.
Leaders play a critical role in promoting relational trust, inclusion, and psychological safety among LGBT service members. By implementing these strategies, they can create a more inclusive and supportive culture that benefits everyone involved.
Which leadership behaviors are most effective in promoting relational trust, inclusion, and psychological safety for LGBT service members?
Trustworthy leaders can promote relational trust among LGBT individuals by demonstrating integrity and consistency, which involves being honest about one's intentions and actions, keeping promises, respecting confidentiality, and following through on commitments. Inclusionary leadership practices that value diverse perspectives and experiences, encourage participation and engagement, and foster a sense of belonging can also promote relational trust among LGBT service members.