Respond To Two (2) Colleagues Identity Threat

Identity Threat - Discussion 1

Assignment:

Respond to two of your colleagues’ PowerPoints that contain a perspective other than yours. Your response will typically be 2–3 paragraphs in length, as a general expectation.

· View Two (2) of Colleagues’

· Share an insight about what you learned from having read your colleagues’ postings and discuss how and why your colleague’s posting resonated with you professionally and personally. (Note: This may be a great opportunity to help you think about passions you share with your colleagues)

· Offer an example from your experience or observation that validates what your colleague discussed.

· Offer specific suggestions that will help your colleague build upon his or her perceptions as a leader.

· Offer further assessment from having read your colleague’s post that could impact a leader’s effectiveness.

· Share how something your colleague discussed changed the way you consider your values.

· See Colleagues

· No plagiarism

1st Colleague –

Jean Chan

Any identification of difference from a group, whether it be by gender as used in the example, or any other racial, cultural, physical, or personality difference creates a barrier for that individual to feel part of the team, particularly if they are excluded from team events, interactions, and work projects.  It is advantageous for the company to address any communication or actions that result from stereotypes or assumptions, because inaction may result in discrimination complaints or contribution to hostile work environments.  If I were to witness any type of negative communication activity, it would be important to talk to the individual, invite her to events, participate together in projects, and engage in normal activity that does not focus on the difference of individuals.  It would be beneficial to respect the individual as a multi-faceted person and focus on mutual interests, goals, and similarities that create better connections. 

2nd Colleague – Lisa Shol

Manage Discussion Entry

Diverse perspectives are important at any company. Without a safe, trusting environment where individuals feel like they can bring their authentic self and express themselves freely, the company may miss the opportunity to hear and learn from the diversity of voices at the table. What's the point of hiring this talent if talent can't be heard?

Regarding bystander intervention, this can happen in a couple different ways. If there is already trust within the working group, asking for the females opinion and giving her space to present her ideas is one way to ensure her voice is heard. If the trust isn't there, this could happen behind the scenes via email or 1-1 conversation. Also, it will be important that the team start to build the trust by ensuring inclusion at all social activities and getting to know her on a more personal basis.

I actually have the opposite problem on my team. It's a group of all women and one man. The women have worked together for a long time, so the group is very talkative, and while we've acknowledged that at times we need to slow down and give space to our male coworker, I definitely think this is an area of improvement for us. Sometimes I think he just gives up trying to intervene in the conversation!

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