Several key practices are essential for leaders to cultivate a culture of respect and inclusion within their teams. Promoting open and transparent communication is crucial, as well as establishing channels that create a safe and welcoming environment for all team members to express their thoughts and ideas. This can be achieved through regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins to discuss updates, concerns, or feedback, and the use of various tools to enhance daily communication, such as apps like WhatsApp or Slack. However, these practices are only valuable when: A) leaders actively listen to their team members and consider their input when making decisions, and B) there are established expectations for the team and the organisation's KPIs, as well as a code of conduct that outlines respectful and inclusive behavior. Involving employees in decision-making processes, challenges, and achievements fosters a sense of belonging and lays the groundwork for employee accountability. This approach contributes to the team's success, setbacks, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values, creating a culture of mutual respect and trust. Strengthening team members' sense of belonging can be achieved by investing in their growth within the organization through training and development, mentorship programs, and coaching. This investment in employee growth significantly enhances the team's and organisation's inclusion and equity by fostering diverse representation in leadership roles and providing relatable role models for other team members. Leaders should lead by example and embody the behavior they wish to see within their team. This includes prioritizing diversity in hiring practices, seeking out a diverse range of perspectives when making decisions, remaining open to feedback and criticism, and "walking the talk."