(WATCH) How Do You Deal With DEI Pushback?

In the final part of our conversation, Dr. Ozzie Crocco asked me the million dollar question related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

How do you deal with pushback? People who don't get it, people who are frustrated, or misunderstand? 

WOW!  This. Just. Got. Real.  

The problem with typical responses is that they usually come from a place of ego, defensiveness, and let-me-tell-you-why-I'm right!  This usually accomplishes nothing and at this point in the conversation, nobody is truly listening.  You are only listening to respond.  But the real way to move forward is to let go of who is right. You may never agree, and sometimes that is OK. 

When you stay open, actively listen, and let go of who is right, you can find figure out what to do next -- and hopefully understand each other person better.

For me, it's like my brain slows down and I can actually see, hear and understand the other person. I may not agree, but I have clarity in the conversation and I'm not emotionally charged. 

In reflection, my response to Ozzie is grounded in perception. Because the next "right" thing to do is also based on your own lived experiences, values, and culture.

I provided one approach and I know there are many out there. How do you handle these difficult situations?

Part 3 of the Conversation. I sat down with Dr. Oliver Crocco, Assistant Professor of Leadership and Human Resource Development at Louisiana State University, at the University Forum for Human Resource Development (UFHRD) Conference in the U.K. at the Nottingham Trent University. We discussed the topics of diversity intelligence, intercultural competence, and effective communication for his LHRD 7305 Cultural Competency & Diversity graduate course. It was an organic conversation -- completely spontaneous and unrehearsed.  Dr. Crocco hit "record" on his laptop and we started talking. 

Join us for part 3, the final part of the conversation!  Check out our other videos:

Part 1:  The One Thing Missing from Cultural Competence

Part 2:  What Do You Take Off at the Door?

As Mentioned. The Academy of Human Resource Development 2020 International Research Conference in the Americas is Feb. 26-29, 2020 in Atlanta. Registration is open.