Diverse Team Actions That Make a Difference
15 minutes
PURPOSE
To examine the behaviors that lead to becoming an open-minded and non-judgmental contributing member of a diverse team
EQUIPMENT & MATERIAL
Covered flipchart prepared in advance (see Trainer’s Notes)
PROCEDURE
Explain that this activity offers team members the opportunity to examine their own perspectives in relation to diversity issues.
Pair up the participants and uncover the flipchart.
Tell the participants to examine the "Diverse Team Actions That Make a Difference" on the flipchart and ask the pairs to discuss how those actions can affect team performance.
Instruct the pairs to come up with additional "actions" and write them down. Allow 5-10 minutes.
Have the pairs call out their suggested "actions" and add them to the list on the flipchart.
Reconvene the full group and discuss the additions to the list and how they will affect a diverse team. Summarize by asking questions like:
Are these "actions" easy or difficult?
Are they actually realistic?
How do you rank yourselves on these points?
If personal changes become necessary, is it worth it?
DEBRIEF
As a member of a team, each person has a special responsibility, and sometimes it takes extra effort to be a valuable team member where diversity issues are involved. There are no firm answers, but there is strong evidence that those people who are working toward being open-minded and non-judgmental are considered extremely valuable to a diverse team.
TRAINER’S NOTES
Ahead of time, prepare the flipchart as shown below:
Diverse Team Actions That Make a Difference
Looking beyond first impressions to judge a fellow team member.
Trying to pronounce a difficult name of a team member who prefers to be called by his or her correct name.
Understanding that diverse employees have different perspectives that can contribute greatly to the team.
Being willing to openly discuss diversity issues.
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