From the course: Communicating about Culturally Sensitive Issues

Renegotiate the rules of engagement: Creating an inclusive environment

From the course: Communicating about Culturally Sensitive Issues

Renegotiate the rules of engagement: Creating an inclusive environment

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- As an ally, you have the power to have a positive impact on your organization, and beyond. But creating positive change can be challenging, especially when it involves culturally sensitive conversations. That's why it's important to have the right tools and approach, to blend advocacy and efficacy without compromising your authenticity. In this course, you focused on effective communication, blending assertiveness with empathy. You learned the strategies to be both effective and respectful, avoiding predictable barriers to success. By using these tools, you can lean into these conversations wholeheartedly and authentically, ensuring that you are clear, direct, and respectful. One of the best strategies for creating positive change in organizations includes building a strong team of allies. The larger the team, the more power you have. By recruiting allies, you can leverage the strengths of others to advance equity and inclusivity. If you are an ally, you can support your super team by first understanding your strengths, and how you can best use them to drive change. Identify inequities. And ask for guidance from those who are most affected by the situation. Take action, and be clear about your intentions, and what you hope to achieve. You don't have to create sweeping change all at once. All you need to do is focus on each conversation, and make your goals attainable. Celebrate when you achieve them, no matter how small they may seem. Practice these tools as often as possible, so that they become a part of you, and you can use them in all of your difficult conversations. Think of negotiation not just as a skill, but as a life philosophy. This mindset can help you to be more intentional in your interactions, and keep your skills sharp. Every interaction becomes a practice opportunity, helping you to become a more effective change agent. With the right tools and approach, you have the power to drive meaningful change, and make a positive impact on the world.

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