Diversity

1. Diversity

2. Defining Diversity 10 Key Issues Conflict Resolution Respect Training Workplace Harassment Gender and the Workplace Disabilities Cultural Diversity Intercultural Communication Generational Diversity Team Diversity Overview 2

3. Diversity is the recognition of the different backgrounds, experiences, and framework that defines an individual. Diversity can be economic, ethnic, genetic, gender, culture, age, physical ability, and countless other categories that an individual can be part of. Diversity is a strengthening aspect to a company that embraces it. Diversity allows the company to be flexible and have the ability to solve problems that could otherwise be overlooked if everyone is from the same viewpoint. Defining Diversity 3

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5. “Conflict arises from differences. It occurs whenever people disagree over their values, motivations, perceptions, ideas, or desires. Sometimes these differences look trivial, but when a conflict triggers strong feelings, a deep personal need is at the core of the problem, such as a need to feel safe and secure, a need to feel respected and valued, or a need for greater closeness and intimacy.” ~Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Melinda Smith, M.A. Tips for managing and resolving conflict: Listen for what is felt as well as what is said. Make conflict resolution priority rather than winning or “being right.” Focus on the present, don’t dwell on past and assign blame. Pick your battles, is it really worth fighting over? Be willing to forgive. Know when to let something go. 1. Conflict Resolution 5

6. Tips for Creating Respect and Civility in the Workplace Before acting, think about the impact of your words and actions. Be active in creating an inclusive work environment. Self monitor your verbal, nonverbal, and actions that you display. Know what makes you angry, so you can manage your reactions appropriately. Take responsibility for your actions. Adopt a positive and solution-driven approach to solve conflicts. Rely on facts rather than assumptions. Consider others’ needs, not just yours. View today's problems as the big picture, be realistic. Become a role model displaying respect and civility. 2. Respect Training 6

7. Harassment is illegal when it creates a hostile work or offensive work environment. Harassment is also illegal when it results in job loss or demotion, or any other employment decision. Harassment can come from a supervisor, supervisor from another department, co-worker, or someone who is not an employee, like a customer or client. 3. Workplace Harassment 7

8. How to be Proactive in Gender Diversity Communicate with male and female coworkers. Understand that women like to talk out their problems by simply having someone listen and men have a tendency to vent out anger. (*Remember that conversations should be work appropriate.) Make gender differences a strength for the company. Example: Women are susceptible to an intuition of sensing people’s thoughts and intentions, which can be useful in decision making. Men tend to be more assertive to push people to take action. Base your thoughts of a person on their achievements, not just how well they fit in company culture or the in-groups that may be dominated by one gender. Be a mentor and encourage gender diversity in the workplace. 4. Gender and the Workplace 8

9. Tips on communicating and working with someone who has a disability so that everyone is comfortable: Don’t ask personal questions about a disability. Be considerate of co-workers with a disability in that it may take them longer to do or say something. Be polite and patient when offering help and wait for your offer to be accepted. Be prepared to be refused or listen for specific instructions. Relax and apologize if you feel like you caused any embarrassment. Look and speak directly to the person, be sure to listen with undivided attention. Treat adults like adults, don’t talk down to any co-workers. Only refer to a person’s disability when necessary and appropriate. Try to avoid terms that refer to a person with a disability as overly courageous or special. 5. Disabilities 9

10. Be aware that even everyday interactions you are involved in are not done in the same way as people from a different background. Example: An American greeting is a handshake, while people with Asian backgrounds bow without any physical contact unless they know the person and people from Central and South America greet with hugs, kiss, and a slap on the back. Children raised in an American or Western European culture are taught to look at someone in the eyes when speaking as a sign of respect. Native America, Asian, and several other cultures find it a sign of respect to look away from someone’s eyes, especially when talking to an elder. Do your research or simply just ask about cultural differences so that no one is offended. Most people would be glad that an effort is being made to get to know them. 6. Cultural Diversity 10

11. The language barrier is one of the biggest misconceptions Language is only part of the barrier, you must also understand culture and customs from that country as well. By accomplishing and gaining understanding of all three, you will achieve a positive relationship with who you are trying to communicate with. Avoid using slang and use simple language when communicating with someone from a different background, or else they may have a hard time understanding what you are trying to say. Try to judge other’s behavior based on their culture because it could have completely different meanings. 7. Intercultural Communication 11

12. Tips to Overcome Generational Gaps Focus on similarities rather than differences between age groups. Recognize that change does occur. Though it may be easier to stick with old technology and ways of doing things, without adapting to change you can be left behind. It is important to embrace the past, but not dwell on it. It is valuable to acknowledge past mistakes so that improvements can be made and avoid history repeating itself. The technology “gap” may not be as wide as you might think, because new technology has its roots in old technology. Be curious to learn things unknown to you, whether it be about the past or the present. Avoid generational stereotypes and that a person thinks the way they do based on his or her age. If an other age-group worker was right about something, tell them. And if someone tells you that you were right after all, answer politely and not with an “I told you so.” 8. Generational Diversity 12

13. Working in a Multicultural Team Be flexible. Understand cultural differences. Build working relationship with everyone, everyone needs to feel comfortable sharing views and ideas. Try to avoid stereotypes since not everyone fits in the same category, even within the same cultural background. Everyone should be treated fairly and tasks should be assigned based on skill. Convey your sensitivity and respect toward another’s culture. Do not impose your values on others. Avoid communication gaps by learning how to listen well, give others confidence to communicate, and ensure that you understand what others are trying to say. Never tell someone their views are wrong. Friendship and respect are a commonality across cultures. Don’t let cultural clashes ruin your work environment, make sure everyone is cohesive as a group. 9. Team Diversity 13

14. Diversity should be celebrated and respected. How boring would the world be if everyone was just like you? Where would you learn new ideas and perspectives of the world? Without diversity, where would you get the opportunity to learn about different standpoints, past experiences, cultures, languages, and traditions? Just because someone may be drastically different than you doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve your respect. They deserve your respect just as much as you deserve respect from them. Summary 14

15. For Questions, Concerns, and Assistance please contact Human Resources: Steve Sager Director of Human Resources, Airborne Global Solutions Phone: 937-366-2830 Email: steve.sager@airborneglobal.com Questions, Concerns, Assistance 15

16. "Cultural Quick Tips." Culture Coach International: Helping Companies to Utilize Diversity as a Strategic Lever for Growth and Innovation. n.d. n. page. Web. 24 Jul. 2012. <http://www.culturecoach.biz/culturalquicktip.html>. De Baar, Bas. "23 Powerful Tips for Working in Multi-Cultural Teams." Welcome to Shrinkonia. 28 Sep 2008: n. page. Web. 24 Jul. 2012. <http://www.projectshrink.com>. Diversity Dimentions Image. 2011. Chart. United States Coast GuardWeb. 25 July 2012. <http://www.uscg.mil/diversity/Diversity101.asp>. "How to Communicate With People With Disability." Australian Government. 08 Sep 2010: n. page. Web. 24 Jul. 2012. <http://jobaccess.gov.au>. Keefer, Amber. "How to Manage Gender Diversity in the Workplace." Livestrong.com: The Limitless Potential of You. 07 Sep 2007: n. page. Web. 24 Jul. 2012. <http://www.livestrong.com>. Richman, Barbara. "Ten Tips for Creating Respect and Civility in Your Workplace." Lorman Education Services: Keeping You Current. Help You Succeed. April 2007. Web. 24 Jul. 2012. <http://www.lorman.com>. Segal, Ph.D., Jeanne, and Melinda Smith, M.A. "Conflict Resolution Skills: Building the Skills That Can Turn Conflicts into Opportunities." HELPGUIDE.ORG: A Trusted Non-Profit Resource. July 2012. Web. 24 Jul. 2012. <http://www.helpguide.org>. Sun, Calvin. "10 ways to Minimize Generational Differences in the Workplace." TechRepublic. 18 Jan 2011: n. page. Web. 24 Jul. 2012. <http://www.techrepublic.com>. "Tips for Effective Global Communication." 17 Jan 2011: n. page. Web. 24 Jul. 2012. <http://globletips.blogspot.com>. References 16