14 WAYS TO BUILD YOUR SENSITIVITY MUSCLE
There’s no shame in being sensitive. You need to be.
Valuing sensitivity is essential for creating a healthy, inclusive, high-performance organization. It contributes to stronger relationships, better decision-making, and longevity for the organization.
Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your own beliefs, experiences, and attitudes. Consider how these might influence your interactions with colleagues and team members.
Education and Training: Engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion training programs. These can provide valuable insights and tools for recognizing and addressing biases.
Seek Feedback: Encourage open and honest feedback from colleagues. They can provide valuable perspectives on how your words and actions may be perceived.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with current events, social issues, and cultural shifts. This can help you better understand and empathize with the experiences of others.
Challenge Stereotypes: When you notice yourself making assumptions based on stereotypes, consciously challenge them. Ask yourself if there's evidence to support these assumptions.
Practice Active Listening: Truly listening to others and trying to understand their perspectives can help you recognize and validate their experiences.
Avoid Generalizations: Be mindful of making sweeping statements about groups of people. Recognize that individuals have unique experiences and backgrounds.
Seek and consider Multiple Viewpoints: When making decisions, take the time to consider how different groups of people might be affected. This helps prevent favouring one group over another.
Cultivate Empathy: Put yourself in others' shoes to understand their feelings and experiences. This can help you respond with greater sensitivity.
Use Inclusive Language: Be conscious of the language you use, and aim to be inclusive. Avoid language that may be exclusionary or offensive to certain groups.
Challenge Microaggressions: If you witness or catch yourself engaging in microaggressions, address them directly. This helps create a more inclusive environment.
Acknowledge Cultural Differences: Respect and appreciate the diversity of cultures within your workplace. Take time to learn about different traditions and practices.
Monitor Decision-Making Processes: Consider if any biases might be influencing your decision-making. Ensure that decisions are based on objective criteria and fair assessments.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing issues related to bias and sensitivity.
Remember, it's an ongoing process. Regular self-assessment and a commitment to ongoing learning are key to maintaining sensitivity in the workplace.
