The most important leadership trait in 2022

Inclusion is the most important leadership trait in 2022, according to Ruchika Tulshyan, author of Inclusion on Purpose. An abundance of research confirms this point, including one MIT Sloan survey that found a toxic culture at work is 10 times more likely to cause someone to resign than even pay.  

Ruchika was kind enough to share some key takeaways from her research for The Butterfly Impact (prior to her book being finished). Before “The Great Resignation” had washed over the American workforce, she observed several strategies that leaders and organizations would need to succeed in this unprecedented era. 

Incredibly, her book barely happened at all. It received 30 rejections but, thanks to a persistent agent and a timely and relevant message, it is now a No. 1 Amazon bestseller in several categories, sold out in its initial print run, and landed Ruchika on Brene’ Brown’s Dare To Lead podcast. 

"This book matters," Brown said on the podcast. 

I first met Ruchika several years ago when she invited me to speak to her journalism class at Seattle University. I've been watching and admiring her work ever since. She is one of the most focused and impactful servant leaders I know, working tirelessly to spread a critical message and "lift every voice" (as the placard in her home office reads). Her relentlessness and resilience are inspiring. After those 30 rejections, she observed that "All it takes is ONE good yes." So true. 

If you want (or need) to have a conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion at work, I highly recommend this book and Ruchika's BRIDGE framework. It makes a difficult topic actionalable and can help create the kind of culture where everyone can thrive. And stay!