What's it like to be a customer or employee at your place of business? This module provides the opportunity for participants to define diversity and recognize that to many of us, it means many different things. Participants identify specific differences about themselves and then find the common denominator among all class participants. Expectations of the class are identified and are incorporated throughout the workshop. Participants are involved in interactive exercises providing them opportunities to view diversity first hand. Since diversity incorporates not only differences in gender, race, religion, physical or mental ability, military status and sexual preference: through participatory activities, individuals will see that they are also different in lifestyle, thinking styles, culture and educational level. Participants will also discover the "Seven Myths of Diversity."
In this highly interactive session, participants gain a greater understanding of their knowledge base and how their personal attitudes can affect behaviors and decisions. Participants' awareness is increased as they analyze their beliefs and actions and the impact they have on others. A greater understanding of human nature is emphasized through various media, including videotape, self assessments, discussions, and team activities. This module incorporates thought-provoking questions emphasizing the importance of a diverse workplace now and in the new millennium. The entire module and the concluding activity have a strong focus on the sharing of ideas that will encourage participants to continually evaluate and improve performance.
At times, employees do not consider that the customer and the choices they make will determine the bottom-line in business. In this module, participants will recognize the best practices to increasing an organization's customer base. These practices focus on making both internal and external customers feel comfortable and valued. Through effective interpersonal interactions, participants learn they can build this rapport with their customers. Strategies include a focus on effective listening skills, greetings, word choices, and analysis of body language. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss cultural differences and what they mean when communicating. Participants will understand that people react differently to some messages and they will problem solve to achieve desired results. A special section on the forces of internal communication rounds out this module, making this a productive and fulfilling session.
What is culture? What role does it have in business? These questions and more will be answered in this informative session. Participants will examine their own cultural awareness and evaluate their exposure. Differences in greetings, use of silence, and language barriers are emphasized, and exploration of cultural specifics will enhance participants' knowledge. A team presentation on cultural differences allows participants hands-on use of new information learned. A group approach to defining and celebrating differences is utilized.
Through group activities and self-reflection, participants gain insight into what comprises a unified team. Basic team dynamics are the focus of this session, including promoting a team environment, establishing goals, gaining commitment, mediating conflict and celebrating successes. The impact of personality types on one another and the effectiveness of conflict resolution are discussed as participants leave with useful tools to iron out differences. Group members hone their skills in helping others reach their potential as they role-play difficult coaching scenarios, while a team feedback approach is encouraged. The teaming environment is further enhanced by activities that are fun and packed with information. A must for any organization!
A poignant journey into the lives of the differently-abled leads participants to a new understanding of how to conduct business with employees and external customers. A look at the Americans with Disabilities Act and a study of the Ten Commandments for communicating with people of different abilities provides insight and information useful in any circumstance.
A good understanding of how diversity relates to EEO and Affirmative Action begins this comprehensive study of the management role in diversifying the workplace. A look at the impact of recruitment and promotion on the glass ceiling is the framework for discussion on current candidate-seeking techniques and hiring practices. Participants are encouraged to evaluate their own management style and understand how it will impact their company in a global economy. A comprehension of leveraging individual differences and how they impact the bottom-line helps participants gain a competitive advantage. A team exercise on marketing to a diverse public makes this an enjoyable, idea-filled experience.
In this experiential session, participants may be asked to literally stretch their boundaries on what it means to be a change agent. A useful tool encouraging employees to analyze their beliefs toward diversity will be shared, as well as practice in dealing with difficult situations. Participants are challenged to create diversity initiatives and SMART goals to carry out their objectives in the future, while overcoming obstacles in and out of the workshop setting.