E N G AG I N G D I F F E R E N C E S A S S T R E N GT H S I N T H E W O R K P L AC E

The International Institute for Sustained Dialogue (IISD) develops everyday leaders who engage differences as strengths to improve their campuses, workplaces, and communities. IISD enables people to work together to make better decisions. Our approach towards transforming relationships and designing change focuses on the individual, organizational, and systemic levels. We have worked with over 12 international communities, 4 U.S. communities, 10 workplaces, and 20 campuses to tailor workshops to fit organizations needs, goals, and performance towards the mission. Below is a sample of the most requested interactive sessions. All modules and can be combined or delivered in a oneday format or in a series of shorter workshops. Dialogues are a critical part of Bridgespans strategy for inclusion, retention, and e n g a g e m e n t . B e c a u s e o f t h i s , w e h i r e d i r e c t l y f r o m S u s t a i n e d D i a l o g u e a l u m n i . J ef f B ra da ch , Co - f oun de r an d P res iden t , The B rid gesp an G roup Module Hold Dialogues In Your Workplace Description Dialogues are spaces that measurably increase engagement and retention. Build the base of leadership in your institution and create a culture of inclusion and civility by holding dialogues. Initial consulting will help you determine the right structure, incentives, and framing to accomplish your goals around relationship building, conflict resolution, and decision-making. In this interactive session, we will discuss and practice inclusive communication methods, including asking strong questions, active listening, and balancing intent and impact. You will learn how to create safe learning environments, tips and tricks for effective facilitation, and best practices for debriefing difficult conversations. How do you keep meetings conversations from becoming about winning, theorizing, or turning into a lecture? Well explore what dialogue means, how it can help you achieve your goals, and practice creating dialogue rather than debate or discussion. Organizations are most effective when each individual feels they are part of an open, inclusive space. Whether in the classroom, boardroom, office, or hallway, the language we use is an important part of how our message is received. In this module, you will learn strategies for keeping up with the evolving nature of inclusive language, challenge the values of political correctness, and practice dealing with everyday scenarios in which the intent behind your language may not be aligned with the impact that was received. We have all heard the phrase, Its all about relationships. The Concept of Relationship is one of the foundations of Sustained Dialogue. In this session, you will analyze complex relationships using the Five Elements of Relationship, learn to better understand sources of conflict, and practice catalyzing action by transforming dysfunctional relationships. There is a lot of talk about diversity and inclusion. Why does it matter? How does it affect your organizations performance towards the mission and the bottom line? In this session, well explore the business case for diversity and inclusion. 1

Communication Skills for Inclusive Leaders Dialogue, Debate, & Discussion

Inclusive Language

The Concept of Relationship

Why are Diversity and Inclusion important to our mission? www.sdcampusnetwork.org

Leading Across Generations

Navigating the Five Stages From Dialogue to Action

Understanding and Managing Conflict

Exploring Dimensions of Social Identity

Mapping Your Community

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)

Intercultural Competence

Train the Trainer

For the first time, there are four generations working together in the workforce. Diversity of values, experiences, knowledge, and skills, bring with it tremendous opportunity as well as common challenges. In this interactive session, participants will explore the values behind different generational behaviors, dispel myths regarding generational differences, and consider the impact language and behavior on creating more inclusive, engaged working environments. The Five Stages are another key element of the Sustained Dialogue process, and an important framework you can use to track progress and make decisions over time. In this session, you will learn the different stages, how to facilitate a group through each stage, and build an Action Agenda. Learn how to use this framework on work projects, and how to start Sustained Dialogue groups within your office. How do you react to conflict? How do your colleagues? When is it appropriate to avoid conflict and when is it not? What are approaches to identify and handle conflict effectively? In this interactive session, we will explore responses to these questions. Participants will take an assessment of their tendencies towards five modes of managing conflict. Effective leaders are aware of their multiple dimensions of identity, and how identity affects interactions with and perceptions of others. In this interactive session, we will identify how different aspects of who we are affect our effectiveness in the workplace. We will challenge ourselves to build comfort talking about our own social identities, and examine how systems of privilege impact our colleagues and clients. Effective leaders must recognize current dynamics in their organization, field, sector, and community. Where is there a need for improved relationships in all of these spheres? Who has power? What flare-ups around social identity or power dynamics have occurred or are not being acknowledged? You will create a map that will start to build an understanding of how to use dialogue and relationships to create a more inclusive working environment, and the appropriate alliances and actions to take. Your organization has strengths and assets to leverage. ABCD is an approach that focuses on identifying and leveraging assets rather than focusing on deficiencies. From the talented people to your business and services to your relationships in the community, this fun, interactive, and effectives approach will start the process of your colleagues identifying strengths to leverage towards your mission. One way to think about culture is in terms of demographics. Effectively communicating across culture, though, demands more than that: leadership style, communication style, age, background, position, and many other factors impact culture. This workshop provides the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to recognize and respond to cultural differences and to more effectively communicate with others. Build the capacity of your employees through a Train the Trainer session. IISD can train your employees to deliver any of the above the workshops.

II SD wa s won d er fu l to wor k w it h from st a rt t o fin i sh . The ir p rep wor k l e d t o a c o m p r e h e n s i ve w o r k s h o p i n t u n e w i t h o u r n e e d s . We l o o k f o r wa rd to wor k ing wit h I ISD on fut ure t rain in gs an d bu il din g o ur o r g a n i z a t i o n s c a p a c i t y t h r o u g h I I S D s w e l l - e x e c u t e d a p p r o a c h . S a r a P o t l e r, A t l a s S e r v i c e C o r p s , I n c . www.sdcampusnetwork.org 2