Dear Reader,

Over the last few months, I have had a chance to collaborate with some incredible individuals in the diversity & inclusion space (D&I). I am always hungry to learn more here, and I have a real fear of “messing up” that I actively try to overcome.

We made a training video; most of what I’ve seen out there has role playing or models or vague concepts. We wanted to change this. We had a watch party with all of the contributors at my house, and as we were watching someone whispered to me that I said “blindspot,” and if we are going for full inclusivity, I should know that terminology is being changed, as it’s linking blindness with something negative.

I was so grateful to learn. Thankfully, Victor was then able to edit that out. Here’s what we came up with: Stories & Strategies for Inclusive Workplaces: A Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) training video.

It’s fresh and real. It has relevant stories, and teams can gain awareness about how to create inclusive workplaces.

Employers are saying “when we deliver this training to our employees, they instantly understand what we stand for here. They feel seen, included, and now understand how to do the same for others.” The training invites compassion, discussion & action in the workplace. There are 10 topics & DEIB experts bringing their lived experiences and guidance so that teams can thrive in the 21st century. Let us know if you want to bring this to your team; we hope that millions of you say "Yes!".

What are you doing for inclusivity?

Best, Julie

Reflection: Appreciation Addition

We’d love to thank the incredible partners that we’ve been working with this year. We know that these organizations and teams care about team development, culture, & strategy. So shout outs to:

• Arizona Association of Counties
• Arizona State University
• Aspey, Watkins & Diesel
• Association of College & University Housing Officials – International (ACUHO-I)
• City of Flagstaff
• City of Sedona
• City of Tolleson
• Coconino Community College
• Coconino County (28 teams)
• Flagstaff Leadership Program
• High Country Humane
• Lewis Mason Thurston Area Agency on Aging
• Maricopa County
• Metroplan
• Mountain Line
• National Forest Foundation
• Northern Arizona Council of Governments
• Northern Arizona University
• Show Low Unified School District
• Temple University
• W.L. Gore
• Yavapai County

Resource Center: Strategic Listening Assessment

This assessment measures five attributes that predict the behaviors needed to listen strategically. Typically, we listen to gain information and learn. With strategic listening, we listen to connect with the speaker and seek to understand them beyond just the information they are sharing. Listen for content, context, and concept connections for strategic listening.

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