March 3, 2013 - Part 1

March 3, 2013

ISCORE

On March 1, I attended a session during ISCORE called "Dumb Things We Need to Stop Saying and Other Practical Steps to Increase Our Effectiveness Around Diversity," which was presented by Luiza Dreasher.

The description of the session reads: "How many conversations involving diversity have left you 'walking on eggshells?'  Have you ever said something that you wish you wish you could take back immediately?  How many times have you said nothing because you were afraid to say the wrong thing?  In this fun and interactive session, you will" (1) Understand how comments such as "I don't see color, I am color blind" impact others (despite our good intentions, and (2) Learn different strategies that will help you increase your diversity skills and competence."

I thought that this was a very informative session.  It brought up a lot of topics that I hadn't thought about previously.  It was very eyeopening.

The presenter gave us four concepts that can help one navigate the waters of diversity.

Concept 1: Intent v. Impact: The Cornerstone of Sustaining Successful Conversation
This concept talked about what to do if you do offend someone during conversation.  Don't become defensive; take responsibility for the thing that you said and apologize.  While it cannot take back what you said, the apology is a first step towards healing and understanding.

Concept 2: P.O.P. (Pile on Principle)
In this concept, we may not know the whole story behind a person's actions.  We only see a snapshot of their life at a particular moment.  Luiza Dreasher gave the example of stubbing one's toe.  A person woke up and stubbed their toe and all day people either stepped on it or had something drop on it.  Once home, the person's spouse simply grazed it and the person yelled at their spouse.  Their spouse might not know why, but the simple action of grazing the person's hurt toe sent the person over the edge.  We don't know the whole story, but we need to show empathy towards others in all situations.

Concept 3: Recognize our Privileges
This concept is based on what groups we belong to.  A great quote that Luiza shared was one by Barry Switzer: "Some people are born on third base and go through life thinking they've hit a triple."  I think this quotes explemifies what Luiza described as an "advantaged group."  Members of that group have to remember that they have been given a "head start" and that what matters most is what they do with the privileges they have been given.

Finally,
Concept 4: Raising the B.A.R. (Breathe, Acknowledge, Respond)
Breathe: Take a deep breathe.  You can't talk and breathe deeply at the same time.  This is an effective, but often underutilized method of relaxing.
Acknowledge: Ask clarifying questions: "Did I hear you correctly?  Is this what you meant when you said...?"  Be an active listener.
Responding:  Responding is different than reacting. Responding requires thought and an analysis of the situation whereas a reaction is often off-the-bat and without much thinking - it is instantenous.

I plan to use these concepts not only for the fall but also in every day life.  With America diversifying rapidly, it'll become imperative to have a background in dealing with diversity.

Katie