As long as we perceive the problem of exclusion in all its forms as something “out there” for other people to address – the government, the legal system, the diversity and inclusion team, the affinity groups – we will never achieve true inclusion. At its heart, inclusion is about relationships. It’s about each of us taking personal responsibility for how we “show up” in our interactions with people very different to us and how willing we are to take a stand beside them. It’s about learning to build quality relationships across difference.
In a very real way, we are either part of the problem or part of the solution. On this issue, there is no middle ground.
We all have biases. And biases leak. They betray us by our words, by our reactions or by our silence.
It’s OK to be there, but it’s not OK to stay there.
Sometimes we are shocked by our own biases and want to be better but don’t know where to start.
In this workshop, we take participants on a journey of courage to learn more about themselves, challenge the truth of biases – their own and others – and develop the skills for building strong relationships across difference. In the process, participants will be equipped with the Relational Intelligence to change behaviours from habits that damage relationships, to habits that strengthen them, based on the 4 Habits of ALL successful relationships. These 4 habits are so fundamental that they continue to resonate around the world through our TEDx talk (1.5mil+ views). They provide the practical “How To” for building Emotional Intelligence in general and Relational Intelligence specifically and are as relevant to building inclusive cultures as they are to building strong, supportive relationships at work and home.
By participating in this workshop, participants will:
- Understand how “Emotional Bank Accounts” influence the quality of relationships and help address existing tensions with different interest groups
- understand and respect differences in cultures, personalities and approaches so they can anticipate behaviours, make allowances for people especially under pressure, foster authenticity and discover real strength in differences. (Habit #1: Be CURIOUS, not critical),
- be able to anticipate inevitable conflict and prepare for it so they turn up well no matter how intense the situation, treat people well and strengthen rather than damage relationships in the process (Habit #2: Be CAREFUL, not crushing)
- learn to recognise differences in core values, develop shared perspectives and have courageous conversations around deep-seated issues, understanding that relationships of trust and respect are built through asking and discussing, rather than assuming and stereotyping (Habit #3: ASK, don’t assume)
- learn to communicate value and appreciation in meaningful ways, listening well without judgment and building strong rapport and emotional connections (Habit #4: CONNECT, before you correct)
- develop a personal action plan for improving specific relationships, building relationships across difference and modelling inclusion
- Be able to apply and share what they have learned through the tools, tips and techniques covered in the programme in both their professional and personal lives.
