Introduction to Diversity Dialogue Groups
As the work force becomes increasingly multicultural, individuals representing diverse cultural perspectives, problem-solving approaches and communications patterns are thrown together in project teams. How can they work effectively together without misinterpreting messages and misperceiving the behavior of one another? What happens when misunderstanding occurs?
Diversity dialogue group program as a diversity initiative has been successfully tried and tested in four different organizations. Applying the dialogue principles such as suspending assumptions, suspending judgment, deep listening, respecting differences, and viewing one another as colleagues, small groups of individuals engage in a powerful learning process to learn about "difference." They also learned about their own prejudices, "blind spots" (lack of awareness), and "hot buttons" (sensitivities). As a result, participants in the diversity dialogue groups broaden their worldview and enhance personal development.
Dialogue Group Leadership Development Workshop : The Art and Skills of Facilitating Dialogue Groups
The success of diversity dialogue groups depends to a large extent on the effectiveness of the leaders. Group leadership is about providing focus, direction and inspiration in a group, and the group leaders bring their personal qualities, values, and life experiences to every group. In addition, the group leaders need a wide range of communication and facilitation skills to guide the groups in learning about the values and belief systems that the participants from diverse backgrounds bring into the dialogue. Thus, dialogue group leaders need to undertake intensive training to be prepared for leader successful dialogue groups.
In this experiential, 2-day group leadership development workshop, participants will learn about the critical components of group experience. They will gain hands-on facilitation practice as well.