Search Video Library for: Video Vignettes
Everyday Leadership™ Never Gonna Move Up
Stereotyping and inappropriate comments are all-too-common problems in the world today and are absolutely unacceptable in our organization. We must listen to and validate our employees concerns and act on them. As leaders, we can address and help prevent stereotyping by listening, speaking up, and treating ALL employees fairly, regardless of race. We also must address performance problems - even when there are other issues at play.
Everyday Leadership™ She Earned That
Regardless of physical appearance and gender, we should treat each other with respect and dignity. We must acknowledge that each other’s achievements are due to nothing short of hard work and dedication, NOT appearance or sexuality. We are all on the same team.
Everyday Leadership™ Yet Another Fire
Communication can make or break a project. Ensuring our team members are communicating effectively, efficiently, and timely is a key to success in the workplace. There will be times when we must have difficult conversations, but we need to confront and resolve these issues, not avoid them.
I'm Not Signing That
When an employee refuses to sign a performance evaluation, you might be tempted to just say - okay, fine. I'll just make a note that you refused to sign, and you do what you need to do. But the truth is, when an employee won't sign it generally means there's a lot more going on that really needs to be out on the table so you can deal with it. And the best way to make that happen is to take the time to T.A.L.K.™ about it.
It's Not My Fault
When an employee refuses to take responsibility for their performance problems, there are a couple of things you need to make sure you do. A quarterly or annual review shouldn't be the first time the employee is hearing about the problem or problems. The best way to correct a problem is to deal with it immediately, and document your actions. Then, make sure you keep your focus on the employee's behavior and don't get sucked into an emotional discussion about attitudes.
When They Just Don't Care
When an employee doesn't seem to care about setting goals in their daily work, it's easy to make assumptions about why they're acting that way. The problem is... you could be way off base. And your actions can actually end up making the situation worse. So, when you find yourself in this kind of situation, take a step back, and use the T.A.L.K.™ model to help find out why... Because once I find out why... then I can usually help the employee figure out how to move forward.
You Can't Believe Anything They Say
There are two keys to working with an employee who thinks the information you're using in your discussion is biased; the first is to take extra time to really listen to the employee's perspective. And the second is to be specific about the information you're basing your evaluation on. The key is to use the T.A.L.K.™ model to help the employee identify areas that need improvement on their own.
You're Doing a Great Job, But...
A tough conversation with a top performer can be difficult, especially when you really do need to ask that person to step up and give you a little more. The key is to use the T.A.L.K.™ model to help the employee identify areas that need improvement on their own. Sometimes it takes a little longer, but the results are definitely worth it.
Look! I Am Color Blind
Encouraging respect for ourselves and others does not mean failing to recognize race or other differences when they affect our understanding of a situation, our impact on others or our relationships. No matter how you may feel as an individual, color and race consciousness exist in our society and is the lived experience of many people. This video also acknowledges the importance of identity… which is how we see ourselves and how others see us.
Are You Saying This is a Race Issue?
Being an outsider can happen to any of us at any time. It can happen based on occupation, tenure, age, gender… the list goes on and on. When there are race or cultural differences the points of connection may not be easy, reactions may be more intense, and misunderstandings are more likely to occur. Inclusion is all about intentional acts that build connections and strengthen relationships.
Come On Now... I’m Not Racist!
Sometimes people don’t recognize when and how racial bias is expressed in our society and in day-to-day interactions. Most of us have seen or experienced racial bias in the form of microaggressions, which are subtle, sometimes indirect, and often unintentional behaviors that communicate hostile, derogatory or negative racial messages or assumptions. Although these things may not be intended as racist, they can come across that way.
Go Back to Where I Came From!
When employees are subjected to slurs and other negative behaviors based on legally protected status—like race, national origin, religion, age, disability and gender among others—the organization has an obligation to prevent and protect their employees from these types of behaviors, including behaviors on the part of non-employees, such as customers.
She’s Young... And a Girl!
Diversity, equity and inclusion are about encouraging and listening to ALL voices. When ideas are dismissed or discouraged, or when there are negative consequences for speaking up, we miss opportunities for innovation and problem solving. Beating tough diversity dynamics at work means creating an environment where all voices can be hard and valued. This is everyone’s responsibility.
White Guys Need Not Apply!
It's easy to see how the focus on diversity, equity and inclusion has caused some white men to believe they have fewer opportunities. But the fact is that laws on fairness and equity apply equally to everyone. Efforts on the part of organizations to expand their race, gender, and ethnic diversity can’t legally, unfairly disadvantage any group. White males are protected by these same laws and have the same rights as everyone else.
Way To Go Team... (a Sexual Harassment Situation for Discussion)
Slapping any employee on the butt is inappropriate workplace behavior and should not happen with any employee! Unwanted touching, swatting, rubbing or any other physical action of this type spells trouble in the workplace. It’s best to keep physical contact to a minimum and always on a professional level. For example, a fist bump is generally appropriate when offering congratulations.
The Birthday Girl... (a Sexual Harassment Situation for Discussion)
Because appropriate touching varies so much among different people, the best advice is to keep close personal touch to a minimum and always on a professional level. For example, a congratulatory handshake or fist bump. Beyond that, unless you are absolutely sure that your contact is welcomed by the other person, it's best not to touch them at all.
Just Relax... (a Sexual Harassment Situation for Discussion)
Third-party sexual harassment occurs when someone outside of the employer's organization harasses an employee in or outside the workplace. Such third parties may include customers, vendors, consultants, or anyone that the employer has a business relationship with. This video also highlights the active bystander/ally concept.
Sexting... (a Sexual Harassment Situation for Discussion)
Joking can make the workplace fun, but it is also an area that can easily cross the line from being inappropriate to being illegal. People who work together sometimes engage in ‘harmless flirting’. As long as that behavior is welcome for those who are flirting, and those who are around to see it, it isn’t sexual harassment. When someone changes their mind, however, the welcomeness ends, and it’s time to stop.
The Spy... (a Sexual Harassment Situation for Discussion)
It’s important to remember that sexual harassment can take many forms. It can be verbal, as with jokes, comments, or propositions. It can be visual, as in written notes, cartoons, or objects. It can be electronic, as in e-mails, social media posts, and texts. And it can be physical, as with touching, gesturing, or leering and staring.
Scratch My Back... (a Sexual Harassment Situation for Discussion)
Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when an employee's supervisor, manager, or someone else in authority offers or suggests that an employee will be given something, such as a raise or promotion, in exchange for some sort of sexual favor. This also includes refusing someone a promotion.