BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES WE ALL CAME OVER IN DIFFERENT SHIPS BUT WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT Diversity in the Workplace

Objectives Definition of Diversity Why diversity is important and why is diversity training still needed? Diversity training is a process not an event. Explain the desired/appropriate behavior Re-education

Definition of Diversity Diversity is a process of creating and maintaining an environment that naturally enables all participants to contribute to their full potential in pursuit of organizational objectives without advantaging or disadvantaging any one group. R. Roosevelt Thomas

Why Diversity is Important The changing face of the world. Attract best and brightest New ideas and perspectives More exciting Diversity is everyone’s issue – it is important to all of us.

Diversity is a Process Pre-test  Confront your biases and beliefs head on  Childhood voice  Acknowledge your comfort level Confronting the challenges  Must make a conscious effort to change ingrained behavior.

Challenges Stereotyping  What are examples of stereotyping ?  Why are they detrimental Using derogatory clichés that reinforce stereotypes is hurtful. Discrimination  What are the negative impacts Racism  Belief that a certain race or races portray undesirable characteristics Prejudice  Where does it come from.  How do you deal with prejudice  Why self control is important Sexual Orientation  Biggest challenge today

The Human Factor Subliminal Choosing what is comfortable Choosing what is familiar “Get on the scale” We don’t always intentionally make decisions because we intend to discriminate Who is invited to the meeting – who is at the table makes a difference

Appropriate Behavior It starts with words – once they are out you cannot take them back – even if you say – “never mind” it is still out there Not telling jokes that demean any group – even when you believe no one in your present group would be offended Do not just ignore offensive comments but become an informer or educator – teach that this is not acceptable. Inappropriate gestures or mocking of certain groups has the same effect – it is the adult equivalent of bullying. Inappropriate behavior can be found at all levels, it is up to higher level managers to set a good example.

Teaching Children about Diversity Expose kids to many cultures and show diversity is a positive. Diversity should be seen as enriching Let children ask questions – even if embarrassing so that they can understand and learn. Education and knowledge stifles discrimination

Re-Education There is no “all” (any group) does this or that.  “All women are fickle”  “All Asians are hard working”  “All teenagers do drugs” We must actively work to re-educate ourselves away from “all” sided thinking. Talk about it openly – bring it to the forefront even if uncomfortable. Learn the skills to deal with prejudice

BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES Diversity in the Workplace