Consider, understand, explore the benefits, and demonstrate the problem-solving advantages of diversity.
Whether one is at work, at school or spending leisure time with family and friends, embracing diversity enriches the lives of all parties involved. Yet, too often, our cultural norms and traditions inhibit our awareness of the many benefits that diversity offers.
However, to maximize our innate potential, we must appreciate our differences and cherish those qualities that we share in common. Therefore, in the spirit of celebrating our uniqueness, listed below is a lesson plan containing interactive group activities which will aid participants with developing the necessary interpersonal skills required to succeed in a Diverse Workforce.
Materials Required
- White Board Markers/Chalk
- Blindfolds or Bandannas
- White Blank Paper
- Pencils and Markers
- Ear Plugs
- A Ball of Yarn
Lesson Goals
- To consider diversity
- To understand and explore the benefits of workplace diversity
- To demonstrate the problem-solving advantages available when working in diverse groups
Stimulus
The Coach/Facilitator writes the word “Diversity” on the Board and asks participants to share what comes to their mind when presented with the word. Then, as participants share their ideas, the Coach/Facilitator lists them on the Board.
Evocation
Invite participants first to share their feelings and then their thinking responses based on the previous brainstorming exercise. Ensure that group members own their feelings by stating “I feel” followed by a feeling adjective.
Objective Enquiry
Provide participants with the theory handout entitled, “Benefits of Workplace Diversity“, by David McLauren. Discuss the booklet together as a group. Participants are encouraged to share their objective thoughts within and outside the group experience.
Skills Practise
Exercise: Building Our Dream House
Organize participants into quartets. Assign each group member a specific role and their corresponding prop where applicable. For example, the group member that is visually impaired will be provided with a blindfold (or a scarf). A pair of earplugs will be provided to the group member that is hearing impaired. The participant, who will have no use of their arms, will have their hands tied behind their back with a piece of yarn. The remaining group member will be individuals from a different cultural background other than their current designation.
Each group will be provided with a piece of blank paper and asked to create a drawing of their dream house. This activity’s primary purpose is to all participants have their viewpoints heard and contribute equally to their group’s dream house design. Once all groups have completed their dream homes, they are encouraged to share their creations with the whole group in their entirety.
Application
Based on the previous problem-solving experience, encourage group members to think of and write down a specific goal that will enable them to embrace diversity in the workplace better.
Evaluation
Encourage participants to evaluate the learning experience and confirm whether the lesson goals have been accomplished.
In a multicultural society, workplace diversity is inevitable. Therefore let us combine all of our strengths to produce phenomenal results!