After 20 years in the field of diversity & inclusion, there’s one thing I know for sure – our approach to D&I is broken. I have found that, notwithstanding a few adjustments here and there, we tend to teach D&I the same way we did years ago – through logic and facts. Many articles have been written and many theories floated about why diversity training doesn’t work, but after over my time in the field, I know why:

• First, we force people through classes that pile on guilt for some, while leaving others feeling justified.
• Second, we don’t teach a subject that is about people in a way that actually connects with people. We teach to the head, and not to the heart.
• Third, we fail to bring to life the personal benefits of things like self awareness and understanding others.

One definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over again while expecting different results. In D&I work, we have done the same thing for over 30 years – expecting better representation, retention and engagement – to no avail.

Compassionate Diversity® is a comprehensive approach to

• seeing different perspectives,
• understanding others, and
• building bridges in understanding

that incorporates both the head and the heart. We develop compassion and affect change through understanding what others truly need from their perspective – not what we think they need.

The 7 Principles we will cover in this webinar form the foundation for Compassionate Diversity®. These principles that are grounded in concepts and research from the fields of intercultural communication, emotional intelligence, leadership, neuroscience and more. Through embracing these principles, we can learn to better connect at the heart and lead more productive, engaging and innovative organizations.