The Strength to Listen: Creative and Fearless Conversations About Diversity and Inclusion




this copy-- does not reflect the spirit of this training. It is all about hearing everyone and recognizing the power of people bring their full selves and stories to the conversation. These stories also include ones that may be politically charged (but I would leave that type of divisive language out).  I would also reference the CEO pledge rather than Starbucks- which in the process will speak to a new wave of leaders who are stepping forward and up to embrace listening and acting on what they learn. This training will also leverage the power of storytelling.




About:
This educational and radical training will provide leaders with a foundation for ways to engage in creative and fearless conversations about diversity and inclusion.  It will provide a stronger and deeper reflection of diversity and inclusion and incorporate the broadened scope that the terms encompass.  Infused with processes to approach conversations through fearless leadership listening, this training will enlighten support leadership and organizations with may ordinarily be considered difficult, taboo or politically charged conversations.


The Story:
If you’re wondering how impactful conversations about diversity and inclusion must be, imagine what was said in the boardrooms or meeting offices of Starbucks leaders when they made the decision to close 8,000 stores for a day to conduct training about inclusion and preventing discrimination. These types of decisions do not come lightly.  They require a listening strength and an acknowledgment that conversations have to be addressed fearlessly.


We don’t propose to know what was said in the Starbucks leadership meetings, but we can interpret the response. Following a claim of discrimination by two black males in 2019, Starbucks found itself at the center of a matter that required immediate and impactful solutions.  The allegations prompted conversations throughout the United States that focused on promoting conscious inclusion.


This training is designed to provide leaders with tools to introduce listening to the conversation so that solutions can be impactful, direct and evident.  It outlines the challenges that leaders and organizations will face as they begin having these crucial conversations and provides guidance on leading the charge of the conversation.  


This training can be used for all employees and will be delivered in the form of online courses, podcasts, and multimedia docuseries.


Training for managers and leaders will focus on:
* Understanding Diversity and Inclusion
* Listening to understand
* How to have creative and fearless conversations
* Facing the politically charged challenges of diversity and inclusion
* How to take action after fearlessly listening


Training for the workforce will focus on:
* Promoting conscious inclusion
* Creating a culture of safety and inclusion that is guaranteed to help your organization improve its workplace culture and productivity. 
* Avoiding the ramifications of costly mistakes when addressing diversity and inclusion
* Recognizing and reporting discriminatory practices
* The importance of a workplace where every member is valued and empowered 


This training is available in a variety of customizable options. You can choose to give individual trainings to your employees and your managers. 
Employees (40 minutes)