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Being an outsider can happen to any of us... at any time. It can happen based on occupation, tenure, age, gender...the list goes on and on. When there are race or cultural differences the points of connection may not be easy, reactions may be more intense, and misunderstandings are more likely to occur. Inclusion is all about intentional acts that build connections and strengthen relationships. So, to beat inequities at work, we must be intentional about inclusion. It’s what makes diversity work.

Racial bias can be hard to spot. It shows up in our society and everyday interactions in ways we often don't realize. One common form is microaggressions. These are subtle, sometimes indirect, and often unintentional behaviors that send negative or hostile messages based on race. They can be things we say or do without even realizing the impact they have.

Encouraging respect for ourselves and others does not mean failing to recognize our differences (race, religion, etc.) when they affect our understanding of a situation, our impact on others or our relationships. No matter how you may feel as an individual, color consciousness exists in our society and is the lived experience of many people.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act lays out specific protections for all employees. Racial, ethnic and religious epithets and other expressions of bias are more common than we realize. Organizations must protect their employees and make it clear that these behaviors are unacceptable wherever they come from, including customers.

Active listening is the skill of fully concentrating, understanding, responding to, and remembering what someone is saying during a conversation. It’s an essential communication technique that involves more than just hearing the words spoken; it requires the listener to be engaged and involved in the conversation.

Conflict resolution is the process of addressing and resolving disagreements or disputes between individuals or groups in a constructive manner. It involves identifying the root causes of conflict, facilitating communication, and finding mutually acceptable solutions that restore harmony and allow parties to move forward productively. The goal is to manage or resolve conflicts in a way that maintains or strengthens relationships while preventing the conflict from escalating or causing long-term negative impacts.

Emotional intelligence is essential for fostering strong workplace relationships and effective communication. It involves understanding and managing emotions in oneself and others, which enhances collaboration and professionalism. By recognizing emotions, fostering empathy, and practicing self-regulation, individuals can improve interactions and create a positive work environment.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could have differing viewpoints at work – and communicate those differences in a way that was respectful, focused on finding a solution, and open to compromise? Instead of trying to "win" the argument, we would work together to find a strategy and common ground that incorporated the strengths of both ideas. This is a constructive disagreement. Constructive disagreement matters because it leads to smarter decisions, sparks innovation, strengthens relationships, and helps individuals and teams grow.

Exceptional customer service is providing prompt, helpful, and friendly support to customers, ensuring that their needs are met and that they leave with a positive impression of you, the department and the organization. It involves not only solving problems but also creating a smooth and satisfying experience throughout all interactions. This can apply to both external customers, those who purchase products or services, as well as internal customers, colleagues or departments within the company that rely on support from others.

In simplest terms, effective teamwork is a group of individuals working together in a coordinated and productive manner to achieve common goals. Effective teamwork is the ability of a group to work collaboratively and productively toward a common goal. It involves clear communication, defined roles, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.