How to respond well in diversity conversations.
How are you feeling as you are trying to talk through topics of diversity? Any normal person would feel a bit of anxiety. I have often heard white people say, “it’s hard to know what to say. I want to be supportive and let them know I care, but I feel no matter what I say, it will be wrong.”
In a way, you are right. There is no winning. This crazy experiment we call the United States is challenging. Our country is filled with people from all origins and the layers of rules, laws, and culture make it impossible to “get it right.”
For now, let’s give up on the idea you could say the right thing all the time, or even think the right thing. This is a time for many people to listen and observe and grow stronger. I do not reserve these ideas just for the majority, the minority or even race. Listen to the video below and think about the people you want to connect with. Don’t hesitate to use these techniques to make your conversations more connecting and productive.
In this session, I offer you three “do’s and don’ts” for conversation around diversity.
Instructions:
Here’s how you get started!
Coaching Video: Watch the coaching video detailing three things to avoid when talking about race and culture. It is less than ten minutes long.
Strategy Session: Choose the strategies you are interested in and complete the worksheet.
Dig Deeper: Enjoy the resources I’ve put together for you conversations around diversity.
Challenge: If you are feeling extra spunky, try the coaching challenge I created for you, designed to make the information stick.
Click on page 2 for The Strategy Session for HOW TO RESPOND WELL IN DIVERSITY CONVERSATIONS.
Click on page 3 for The Resource Guide
Click on page 3 for The Challenge Session