It all begins with creating a safe culture where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. I have seen too many times in my career where comments or questions are solicited by leadership, but the audience remains silent. Leaders who share their own insecurities and feelings are more likely to create a trusting environment that is open for others to share. Another key component of inclusivity is recognizing and respecting alternative viewpoints. The phrase, “leave judgment at the door” becomes a very real for people who may consistently feel judged. As leaders, we need to control the tone and tenor in the room and make it okay for differences of thought.

"Lead from the front" is the mantra to ensure inclusivity is taken care, respected and compounded. It's a proven fact now, inclusivity brings practical and innovative aspects with fresh views and perspective. It's the leader who need to make sure, through his/her own act, which teams would further follow, not during the meeting but as a general practice leading to overall cultural shift.

To ensure diverse perspectives are inclusive among healthcare experts meeting, consider intentional invitation of experts from diverse backgrounds, clear communication of meeting purpose and goals, and pre-meeting surveys to gather information on attendees' backgrounds and expectations. During the meeting, establish a safe and respectful environment, use active facilitation techniques, and encourage inclusive language. Follow-up action item assignment, and sharing meeting outcomes can help incorporate diverse perspectives into future decisions, ultimately leading to more informed and effective decision-making.

It may seem like I am throwing a spanner in the works. But when you speak about inclusivity in team in team meetings; I am not simply thinking about the usual members of the team as individuals able to give their perspective. I am looking at it from the position of benefiting the outcomes that the team produces. Very often, it's not the usual members of the team who can shed additional light on how best to improve or meet outcomes for the team. It's very often someone who can look at it with a fresh pair of eyes. So I see inclusivity in terms of inviting people with specialist knowledge and skills from outside the team; to bring new and relevant perspectives; that the regular members of the team are unlikely to have.

**1. **Acknowledge the Issue and Set Intentions** - **Start with reflection** - **Establish ground rules** ### **2. **Redesign Meeting Structures** - **Rotate facilitators** - **Structured participation** ### **3. **Address Power Dynamics** ### **4. **Educate and Train** ### **5. **Leverage Diverse Representation ### **6. **Use Inclusive Communication Tools

The contribution of all elements of a team is fundamental. The positives comfort us, the negatives, if taken into consideration, can sublimate us.

I’ve seen firsthand how the best decisions in healthcare don’t come from a single voice. They come from a room full of different perspectives. In medical insurance, every stakeholder plays a role in shaping a system that works for all stakeholders. But too often, meetings are dominated by a few voices. To truly make healthcare team meetings inclusive, we need to create space for everyone to contribute. That means structuring meetings with clear but flexible agendas, actively inviting input from all roles, and ensuring that real-stakeholders’ feedback is part of the conversation. Inclusivity isn’t just about diversity of thought—it’s about making sure those thoughts turn into real.

When you listen with no judgment and give positive feedback regardless of your position on the team, you create an environment of trust and openness. True active listening means setting aside preconceptions and focusing completely on understanding your teammates' perspectives. This positive approach strengthens relationships, encourages innovation, and helps everyone feel valued. By practicing non-judgmental listening and offering constructive feedback with genuine respect, you contribute to a collaborative culture where ideas flow freely and problems are solved collectively. Remember that everyone benefits when team members feel heard and appreciated—it's the foundation of effective teamwork and lasting success.