Keeping the peace when we are all so different

Tim Nation Director and cofounder, Peace Learning Center

Men & women in the workforce Sources: 1 Toosi, Mitra.: "Monthly Labor Review May 2002 A century of change: the U.S. labor force, 1950–2050“, Totals may add up to more than 100 percent due to rounding 2 College Gender Gap Widens: 57% are women, USA TODAY, Mary Beth Marklein, October 19, 2005.

Minorities in the workforce Source: Toosi, Mitra.: "Monthly Labor Review May 2002 A century of change: the U.S. labor force, 1950–2050“, Totals may add up to more than 100 percent due to rounding. Reference: 2010 US total population: 64% is White, not Hispanic and 36% is Minority. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Quick Facts

Implications The population is becoming increasingly diverse

Implications It is becoming increasingly important to be able to attract, retain and leverage the experience of people from diverse backgrounds to continue and grow Kiwanis

The irony….we need diversity to survive

Yet, neuroscience tells us that… the human brain seeks to find connections to EXISTING patterns!

How the Brain Works Action Conclusions/ story Meaning/ emotion Data Filters & predictive listening Source: The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook, Peter Senge, Art Kleiner, Charlotte Roberts, Richard Ross & Bryan Smith

Hearing Diverse Ideas… is counter to how the brain works!

Everyone is diversity- challenged Creating stereotypes is natural, human and even healthy (to some extent) “When we process any new idea we create a map of that idea in our mind, and then compare it subconsciously in a fraction of a second to our existing maps…..Our brains like to create order out of the chaos of data coming into them, to make links between information so that our lives make more sense.” - David Rock, Quiet Leadership

Everyone is diversity- challenged Acting on our stereotypes without recognizing the unique individuality of each person with whom we interact is unhealthy

When have your stereotypes been beneficial to you? How have they served you?

When has acting on your stereotypes had you inadvertently “discriminate” against someone?

Have you ever been inaccurately stereotyped? How did it make you feel?

Diversity awareness often focuses on understanding how “they” are different

The focus should be on us! We all have conscious and unconscious biases and stereotypes!

Diversity-competent people Understand the diverse elements in a situation

Diversity-competent people Are consciously aware of their biases, stereotypes and preconceived notions and do not allow them to impact their decision making

Diversity-competent people Focus on the outcomes they are working to achieve

Diversity-competent people Actively listen and establish open communication and rapport with the people involved

Diversity-competent people Partner in coming to a quality decision in the midst of the similarities, differences and tensions that exist

“If there is any great secret of success in life, it lies in the ability to put yourself in the other person’s place and to see things from his point of view—as well as your own.” Henry Ford

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