This discussion guide is a resource for you to have conversations with your colleagues and explore this topic further.
Key learnings
- Listen to understand rather than to respond
- Be open to multiple perspectives and invite others to express themselves even if their views oppose your own.
- Ask yourself the objective of your communication
- Do your words, tone, and body language build trust? Do they build relationships or alienate others?
- Recognize and allow for different communication styles
- Be mindful of your verbal and nonverbal signals and how they impact others.
- Embrace authenticity
- All work is connected to individuals. Acknowledge the whole person.
Questions to spark further discussion
- Share a time when non-inclusive language impacted you or someone you know.
- What are some ways you have disrupted non-inclusive communication? How was it received?
- What are some ways to normalize inclusive communication within your team?
If you have questions or would like additional support discussing this topic, please contact Siri Pairin, a member of the DEI team, at sirinda.pairin@wisc.edu.
