In the new global economy, it is more important than ever to understand how culture affects communication and perception. Improving intercultural communication enhances success by bringing varied perspectives and fresh ideas into the workplace.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify stereotypes and biases, how they develop;
• Apply effective strategies for removing barriers to diversity in the workplace;
• Improve their listening and learn effective questioning techniques to communicate more effectively in a diverse population;
• Demonstrate the importance of non-verbal communication, both one's own and that of others
• Propose ways of encouraging diversity in the workplace while discouraging and preventing discrimination;
• Design a professional approach to record, analyze and resolve situations involving diversity.

Course Outline

• Understanding Diversity
• What is Diversity?
• Related Terms and Concepts
• A Brief History
• A Legal Overview
• Understanding Stereotypes
• Stereotypes vs. Biases
• Identifying Your Baggage
• Understanding what this Means
• Breaking down the Barriers
• Changing your Personal Approach
• Encouraging Workplace Changes
• Encouraging Social Changes
• Verbal Communication Skills
• Listening and Hearing: They aren't the same thing
• Asking Questions
• Communicating with Power
• Nonverbal Communication Skills
• Body Language
• The Signals you send to others
• It's not WHAT you say; it’s HOW you say it
• Being Proactive
• Encouraging Diversity in the Workplace
• Preventing Discrimination
• Ways to Discourage Discrimination
• Coping with Discrimination
• Identifying if you have been discriminated against
• Methods of Reprisal
• Choosing a Course of Action
• Dealing with Diversity Complaints as a Person
• What to do if you're Involved in a Complaint
• Understanding your Role
• Creating a Support System
• Dealing with Diversity Complaints as a Manager
• Recording the Complaint
• Identifying Appropriate Actions
• Choosing a Path
• Dealing with Diversity Complaints as an Organization
• Receiving a Complaint
• Choosing a Response
• Learning from the Complaint