I wrote the original version of this article in 2006. Unfortunately, it seems our society has become even more uncivil rather than more civil. Join me in being part of the change. Have you ever observed or been a part of the following scenarios? • You are seated at a busy upscale restaurant and the…

Although diversity and inclusion strategies and tactics have been in place with some organizations for a long time, the question I am most frequently asked by diversity practitioners is, ” How can I help our leaders reflect their support of diversity and inclusion efforts?” At company conferences, articles in internal newsletters, and other communication methods…

With the recent media and political attention focused on the transgender community, conversations have popped up in places of worship, sports bars, workplaces, universities school district offices, and beyond. All too often in these type conversations people are not looking for information in order to develop understanding, rather they are looking for opportunities to spread…

On this 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., my heart is heavy yet hopeful. Heavy due to the racial hatred and boldness of bigotry still evident. Hopeful because many people young and old are rising up to make their voices heard regarding equality, life, and inclusion. They are saying diversity…

Are you tired of political correctness and wonder why our language should become more sensitive?  My clients regularly ask me why this is such a big deal to some. Words do matter, and those who suggest others should just get over it, and stop being so picky are often not a member of the offended…

(Adapted from the soon to be released third edition of The Diversity Advantage) Have you ever had a clash with one of your staff members? Have any of your staff avoided or complained about working with another team member? Most of the clashes or diversity collisions that happen at work occur because the individuals involved are…

Are your colleagues and other employees disengaged? Are some workers feeling disconnected to the team? My client research indicates that one of the biggest factors causing less than top team performance and innovation among co-workers is their inability to give feedback to each other quickly and without judgment regarding culturally sensitive behaviors—also known as micro-inequities….

He said, “I don’t want to be a n_ _ _ _ _ in the bushes about this but…” February is a month that often causes me to pause and think about leaders of the past and present. What can and should leaders of today do and say to advance inclusion? What could they do…

I just got back from a fabulous safari in Africa!” said my friend. “Really? Which country?” said I. She looked at me with a very puzzled expression, and repeated more loudly this time, “Africa!” I guess saying it louder was supposed to help me understand more clearly. I then said, “Many countries in Africa offer safaris. I was just wondering which one you experienced.” Then she said, “Oh!” and she told me the name of the reserve. I tried one more time. “Okay, so you were in Kenya, right?” “Yep, and it was unbelievable.”

Tears welled in her eyes as I answered her question. She asked me, “Why are you sitting at this table?” I said, “I am an ally and I want to learn more, so I can be more effective with my support.” I was speaking at an HR conference. The attendance was huge! 15,000 professionals. On…