compliments of R. Miller via Flickr

Inclusion has become a popular buzzword in the recent push to end discrimination. A widespread panacea has been “training for everyone,” which can sometimes backfire. Problems arise when diversity training pits people against one other; company leaders choose not to participate; trainers use inappropriate initiatives that shame/blame and/or disrespect participants; talking heads do nothing but lecture and do not allow people to share their experiences, or training is presented as a once-a-year “check the box” compliance activity that wastes time and is quickly forgotten. Turn the page…