Are You Wasting Your Money on Diversity Training?
Are you wasting your money on diversity training?
It's a simple question with a complex answer. The good news is that diversity training can be effective and worthwhile, but it needs to be done right. That's why we've put together this list of tips for implementing effective diversity training, as well as examples of what not to do.
What's the Problem with Diversity Training?
Many diversity training programs can have a negative effect on their organizations. Here are some common reasons:
Programs that spend more time talking than listening. Stop talking, start listening to employees. Programs with a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Every group of people is different and every organization has its own culture and history. Programs that don't address the underlying issues of diversity and inclusion. If you haven't figured out how to create authentic equity, how can you effectively train for it? Programs that fail to reach the members most impacted by diversity issues (specifically, people of color). Programs that are sent to die on the shelf. If you don't provide the necessary follow-up and reinforcement, a diversity training program is going nowhere. Programs that create a backlash. Whether it's overt or covert, if an employee walks away feeling disrespected or “othered” by your program, you've done more harm than good.
Is Diversity Training Worth It?
Yes! Diversity training can be effective – when it's done right! We believe it is important for organizations to build inclusion into the fabric of their culture and to use equity as a lens through which all decisions are made. In addition, we believe that organizations shouldn't waste money on ineffective programs any more than they should waste money on ineffective employees…. Read Full Article: Are You Wasting Your Money on Diversity Training?
posted by Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager, December 7, 2011 12:59 PM
Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager at Starbucks ...on the road to creating equity in every store. Check out my blog!
The Mean Girl's Guide to Life (Part 2)
The Mean Girl's Guide to Life (Part 2)
Written by Tami Fazaeli, Lead Strategist at OfficeTeam ... on the road to creating equity in every store... A young woman was sitting on a bench with her best friend one day discussing boys. The friend asked her if she had met a certain boy yet. "No, I haven't," she replied. "He's really cute! And nice! And he has so many good points. I really like him." The friend asked, "What can he do that is so great?" The young woman thought for a moment. After a pause, she said, "Well, he doesn't have mosquito bites on his legs." This is a real story from the lives of girls who have been bullied at school more than once. When you're in high school or college you may think it's funny whenever someone makes fun of your clothing , your hair , or looks at you as if you were dirt or garbage. But this kind of bullying can last into adulthood and it's even worse for women of color. The effects can be devastating, not only on how you feel about yourself but also on your ability to go to school or work, to start a family and build friendships . Don't let the bullies win! Use this special section as a source of encouragement and shared stories to remind yourself that you are strong, beautiful, intelligent and deserving of equality. But most importantly, use these stories as your motivation and strength when you feel like giving up on being treated with respect just because you're a woman or who you are racial group. 1. You've had one too many racist jokes hurled your way. You're tired of being the butt-end of insensitive jokes and comments that question your intelligence, value and blackness. You start to feel like you're living in a twisted world where nothing is right. 2. Someone at work constantly puts you down because of your race. When someone constantly reminds you that they think they are better than you because of the color of their skin it makes you wonder if they have any black friends, let alone people who are related to them! 3. Being asked where you're from over and over again. You know, the "where are you from, where are you really from?" every five minutes or so kind of question that makes you feel as if people think they can just use your race as a tool to get something out of you or to see if they can get a response. 4. You've been told that it's all in your head when someone does something hurtful to you...or the reverse, been accused of not understanding when you are being bullied. Whether it's because of your gender, being a minority women or both, some people don't believe bullying exists for females or for people who are members of racial groups. 5. You've been called, "you're so hairy," "you dress funny," and your hair is "big." This may be because you have dreadlocks, wear a headscarf or your hair is naturally curly. Some people say it's all in your head. 6. You've had people ask if you are hiding in the back of a class. You want to tell them to go ahead, hide all you want, but this will not deter them from asking where you're really from because they don't see you or hear you speak. 7. You've been asked if you are homeless so people can make jokes about that instead of making fun of the color of their skin
8. You've been asked "why are you even dressed like that?" because your appearance does not adhere to the way a female should dress. (remember, you're the owner of that body!). 9. You've been told your skin is too dark and it makes it difficult for people to see you when trying to walk down an alley, up a flight of stairs or in front of a group. 10. You've been asked by someone who is white if their hair is real, if they don't have any 'real black friends' and why they call themselves white people (especially by those same people). 11. Someone has said that if you're black why do you speak 'white' or use proper grammar and spelling. 12. "If you're black why do you have your hair straight and speak like a white girl?" is a question that has been asked to those in the African American community who have lighter skin. 13. You've had someone make fun of your sex life because of what color your boyfriend/girlfriend is or how they look. 14.
Conclusion
You are not alone and no matter where you are in life, you deserve respect...or your money back!
What You Can Do:
Call, write or e-mail the school principal or principal's assistant at the school you attend and say how disappointed you are that bullying is being tolerated. Ask them to immediately investigate and hold a meeting with students , parents and teachers of an age appropriate level who have been bullied. Ask that all of the bullies be held accountable and any action be taken immediately. Acknowledge their effort to make your school safe for everyone. Find out about their policies regarding bullying so you can share that information with others in your community who may need it.