Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts

There are twelve techniques to take action without feeling shame or guilt when communicating with others in regard to stereotypes.

• True

• False

Each of the twelve techniques demonstrates an effective way to address stereotypes, bias, or discounting.

• True

• False

None of the twelve approaches attacks or insults the person who just said something biased or demeaning.

• True

• False

The goal in using one of the twelve techniques is to give feedback on the behavior in a manner that opens up a conversation and does not destroy or diminish an individual or destroy group dynamics.

• True

• False

• The goal is to give feedback

This technique has two parts. The first half acknowledges the other person's positive intentions, whereas the second half describes the negative results of the statement or behavior.

• Appeal to Empathy

• Ask a Question

• Say "Ouch!"

• Assume Good Intent/Explain Impact

"I'm sure you meant for that to be funny, but that stereotype is no joke. Unfortunately some people actually believe that."

What technique is this?

• Name It

• Assume Good Intent/Explain Impact

• Repeat and Question

• Appeal to Empathy

Oh, "Snap" is an acceptable four letter word that communicates a lot with little effort. It says, "Your words had a negative impact on me." It is similar to what you might say if someone steps on your toes.

• True

• False

"What do you mean, Kevin?"

"What are you saying?"

"I don't think I heard you correctly. What did you say?"

"What is it that leads you to say that?"

This techniques can change the outcome of a situation though the use of a non-blaming question.

• Rephrase

• Interrupt and Redirect

• Ask a Question

• Broaden to Universal Human Behavior

If the following comment is made: "The baby boomers aren't going to have the level of tech savvy we need. We need to recruit kids right out of school."

Which would be an example of the technique Interrupt and Direct?

• "Ouch!"

• "Let's not not assume that all young people will have the computer skills we need and others will not. Let's test each person's skills and then base our decisions based on the result."

• "How do you think the baby boomers feel about that comment?"

• "Hey, I know we're all just kidding around, but let's think about the impact of those types of comments in the workplace."

These responses are examples of what technique?

Stereotype: "Teenagers can't be trusted."

Response: "I don't think that's an age thing. Do you know any people in their 40s or 50s who aren't trustworthy?"

Stereotype: "Men are good leaders."

Response: " Yes, some men are. But I think leadership is broader than that. I know some women who are pretty good leaders too...and some men who aren't."

• Name It

• Ask a Question

• Seek Contradictions/Make It Individual

• Broaden to Universal Human Behavior