How to Avoid Insensitive Language and Interactions to Build Inclusion
Many of our conversations around diversity and inclusion have us walking on eggshells or don’t turn out as planned. We often make statements that are intended to be supportive or complementary but that end up being problematic instead. Have you ever found yourself saying “Some of my best friends are ...” or “I don't think of you as ...” or “I'm colorblind”? Meant as joining statements, these remarks often have the opposite effect and end up creating a larger divide or even the loss of a job. You will gain knowledge of communication traps, how to avoid them and what tools to use in their place. These practical applications will quickly transform the quality and effectiveness of our interactions around diversity and inclusion.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn eight core concepts for dismantling the barriers toward effective communication relating to issues of diversity and inclusion.
- Hear statements that are intended to build a more inclusive workplace but that fall short. These statements can have a devastating effect in the workplace. Relationships are diminished, and the willingness to work cooperatively with colleagues can be damaged, affecting the quality of work output.
- Move beyond our fear of saying the wrong thing, and gain skills to effectively respond when we cause harm. We all make mistakes. How we respond to those mistakes is the key to future interactions.
Maura Cullen
Dr. Maura Cullen is widely considered one of the nation’s foremost authorities on issues of diversity and inclusion. With over 30 years of experience as a trainer and keynote speaker, she received her doctorate in Social Justice and Diversity Education from the University of Massachusetts. Maura is a founding faculty member of the Social Justice Training Institute, Founder of the Diversity Student Summit and author of, 35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say: Surprising Things We Say That Widen the Diversity Gap.