Diversity in the Workplace: Creating a Positive Culture of Acceptance and Inclusion
Summary
The training webinar was sponsored by the Libraries as part of the Diversity Team’s 2016-2017 programs. Jharina Pascual and Pauline Manaka were the facilitators.
Designed as a workplace training session, Lisa Ryan led as webinar presenter for STAR12®SkillPath Seminars and National Seminars Training (NST). Her presentation addressed the following objectives:
- Better understanding cultural diversity and how it makes today’s organizations stronger
- Considering various kinds of diversity (not just geographic) and their effect on productivity
- Tips on how to build a workplace where respect is the foundation of your culture
- Understanding how your own experiences lead to hidden biases and stereotypes
- Identifying common areas of diversity-induced conflict and what to do about it
- Taking stock of the most important communication skills needed to get along and work together
- What to do if you’ve stuck your foot in your mouth: How do you get back to trusting each other—instead of digging yourself in deeper?
- The right way to explore differences and common ground—making it easier to build trust
There was a question and answer session with attendees from other institutions after the webinar. They covered discussions of institutional policies (such as affirmative action) and the difference between the concepts of diversity and inclusion.
Some of our colleagues offered their comments and observations about the training following the webinar. Some of these are:
- To share the slides with library staff
- The webinar was found valuable; its contents were well-organized and detailed, and there were some new topics covered
- Have something like this annually as part of other mandatory training initiatives; including certificates printed for attendees
Questions for Library Attendees from the Diversity Team:
About the Webinar, provide your thoughts on the following in the comments below:
- Did you find it helpful for diversity training? If yes, please explain.
- Do you wish to think about it a little more? If yes,please explain.
- You DID NOT find it helpful for diversity training. Please explain.
If you have additional questions related to the webinar, please send them to Jharina Pascual via e-mail and she will send to the webinar organizers.
Additionally, if you have questions and comments that you would prefer not to add in comments, please send those via email as well. We look forward to keeping the conversation open, and encourage all library staff to follow this blog and look over our collected resources on the staff wiki.
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