“The Six Triple Eight” Helps Managers With Inclusive Leadership Skills

This holiday season, Netflix released a new movie, The Six Triple Eight, directed by Tyler Perry, which has garnered much praise. It is a hidden-figure story that showcases the journey of an all-woman of color troop (855 members) dating back to WWII with an impossible mission that no other troops could achieve. Entertainment can always meet the needs of those looking for training that doesn’t feel like training. This film is no exception, as it showcases ample angles of leadership that provide lessons managers can implement to create an inclusive workplace. I highly recommend this movie for all leaders wanting to be effective at inclusive leadership.

Lesson 1: Show Up As An Inclusive Leader And Support Your Talent

The film provides an up-close look at the manager-direct-report relationship. Award-winning actress Kerry Washington portrays Captain Charity Adams, leader of The Six Triple Eight Troop, and her boss, Colonel Davenport, is played by Jeffrey Johnson. In the film, we see Adams discussing with her supervisor, explaining her results (138 graduates with a 97% success rate), and asking for support to gain additional responsibilities (i.e., an order for the Women of Color Women’s Army Corp troop). Race and gender are brought up as evidence of inequitable treatment in the conversation between Adams and Davenport. However, the challenge is dismissed for not having merit. There is pushback around readiness for additional responsibilities, and the meeting ends abruptly, with Adams left to continue in her current role.

Inclusive Leaders, as managers, have the opportunity to evaluate and improve their interactions and engagement with direct reports. This is especially true if they haven’t invested time in addressing biases. From the above example, here are a few takeaways to consider:

1. Ensure parity when assigning responsibilities to team members. Compare how projects and promotions are given. I’ve always said data is a game changer in decision-making.
2. Listen to team members’ concerns and offer assistance with solutions. Show up and be present in meetings to avoid making team members feel less important than other priorities.
3. Believe in your team members. Go the extra mile, provide sponsorship, and offer stretch assignments that allow team members to demonstrate leadership.

Lesson 2: Use Inclusive Leadership To Set Teams Up For Success And Root Out Toxic Environments That Cause Microaggressions to Thrive

Those in higher positions consistently challenged Captain Adams’ leadership style throughout The Six Triple Eight film. Between providing obstacles to impede success, creating non-inclusive environments, using non-inclusive language, and challenging authority, the mission was set up to fail. One example is the General not providing travel escorts and proper accommodations for the troops to work. Another is showing up for an impromptu inspection and challenging the way Captain Adams was leading the troops. The Six Triple Eight WAC persevered and succeeded in achieving its mission ahead of schedule.

Inclusive leaders have an opportunity to take ownership of the role played in helping teams succeed. Consider the following:

1. Manager actions can ensure team members achieve goals. What are you willing to do today to help your team members succeed? Active listening paired with curiosity will provide clues on what’s needed. It makes good business sense to create space to receive and act upon information to be helpful.
2. Workplace norms are a perfect place to look for improvement opportunities, such as creating space to challenge the status quo. Encourage leaders and teams to challenge their working methods and provide input to create a more inclusive workplace.

The Six Triple Eight movie is worthwhile, and not just for a Black History Month activity. It is full of inclusive leadership lessons for all who are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and world.