Episode 18: The power of cognitive inclusion – your first step toward a future-proof workplace
Published on 4 February 2025 • Hosted by Dr Lisa Colledge
Disengagement. Talent shortages. Struggles to adapt.
What if I told you that these workplace challenges aren’t separate problems, but symptoms of a deeper issue? And what if you could take one powerful, sustainable solution to address them all?
Most organizations rely on traditional diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that focus on visible diversity—gender, race, or age. But research shows that what really drives adaptability, engagement, and innovation is cognitive diversity—the mix of thinking styles and problem-solving approaches within teams.
Yet, without cognitive inclusion, this diversity remains inactive, leading to:
🚨 Employees feeling disengaged and burned out.
🚨 Teams failing to leverage hidden talents.
🚨 Missed opportunities for innovation and adaptability.
Why cognitive inclusion is the key to your future workplace
Cognitive inclusion isn’t about compliance or checkbox diversity. It’s a leadership strategy that enhances collaboration, psychological safety, and problem-solving by creating a culture where all thinking styles can thrive.
The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire company overnight.
That’s where my signature 12-step program comes in. Each month, I introduce one small, manageable action that moves your team closer to becoming a cognitively inclusive powerhouse.
Step 1: reflecting on connections within your team
Before making changes, you need to understand what’s working and what’s missing in your team’s interactions.
What’s working well and should be protected?
Where are communication gaps causing friction?
Do some employees feel unheard—or do certain styles dominate conversations?
A real-world example: John, a leader in his company, discovered he was ignoring insights from half his team simply because their communication styles differed from his. By tracking and re-evaluating input, he dramatically improved his decision-making and team success.
By pausing to reflect on your team dynamics, you’re taking the first step toward a stronger, more engaged, and more adaptable workplace.
Want to dive deeper? Listen to my podcast Episode 18: Build Resilient Teams: Engagement, Talent, and Innovation Redefined.
Your team’s potential is waiting—you just need to unlock it.
I’m Dr Lisa Colledge, and I help ambitious leaders build future-ready teams they trust to deliver now and adapt to whatever’s next — driving engagement, performance, and enduring resilience.
Learn more about building Neuro-Inspired Teams that outpace, outperform, and outlast your competition.
