Sample Course Agenda

Diversity Training: Attitudes Towards Differences

Presenter: Andrea Giggetts

Program Description: Times are truly changing. We find ourselves in more diverse families, communities and workplaces. Our challenge is to look for ways we can connect with people whose experiences are different from our own. Getting the discussion started can be the most difficult part. This is where “honoring differences” come in.

In “Attitudes Toward Differences,” participants develop skills needed to successfully build connections with others so they can communicate more effectively, resolve conflict and work more productively. Participants will learn how to deal with diversity issues by building relationships using the skills of empathy, inquiry and dialogue, but in a non-judging, non-blaming manner. Participants are led to new insights, understanding and new behaviors, thereby seeing the world in new ways. This seminar also gives attendees an opportunity to share the insights they have gained and in small group settings, make statements about what they will do differently as a result of their new insights. Finally, attendees will be inspired to actively and openly discuss issues and to take responsibility for making a diverse workforce an asset.

Course Objectives: After completing this course, participants will know how to:

• Address common misconceptions about diversity and identify the advantages of a diverse workplace.
• Identify the impact of cultural differences on relationships and identify personality styles and the influence of your personality on others.
• Identify the barriers to diversity and responses to discrimination as well as ways to deal with and avoid discrimination.
• Communicate effectively in a diverse workplace and provide effective feedback.
• Manage and develop a diverse workplace while avoiding common pitfalls.
• Break down the “we versus them” attitudes and behaviors between employees while encouraging new levels of cooperation.

Practical Application Exercises:

• Handouts
• Films
• Role play exercises

Student Workshop Evaluation/Assessment of Learning: An evaluation will be given to all participants regarding the training outcomes and specifically how they will apply them.