LinkedIn 
EmailResponding Productively to Microaggressions at Work
- Traditional Classroom: ½-day
- Virtual Instructor-led: One 4-hour session; Two 2-hour sessions; One 3-hour session
Microaggressions are “brief and commonplace verbal, behavioral, and environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults that potentially have harmful or unpleasant psychological impact on the target person or group.” Dealing effectively with microaggressions at work requires a willingness to: shift our perspective, sit with uncomfortable feelings, de-escalate our own emotions, and be curious about others’ experiences.
In this interactive session we’ll examine various types of microaggression and how they show up in the workplace. We’ll explore the importance of separating intention from impact in order to drive productive dialogue and connection. Using real-life scenarios, we will practice responding in ways that are productive and authentic, creating a foundation for a work culture of engagement and inclusion.
Target Audience
Individuals who will benefit from this course include managers, leaders, team members, individual contributors, and individuals whose success depends on the ability to cultivate and build relationships.
Learning Objectives
- Cite examples of microaggressions at work.
- Articulate the distinction between intent and impact within the context of microaggressions.
- Identify personal experiences with microaggressions.
- Describe productive responses to microaggressions within the work environment.
- Brainstorm responses to real-life scenarios from the perspective of a witness to a microaggression.
- Use conversational guidelines to role-play a realistic situation involving microaggressions.
Course Outline
What Are Microaggressions?
- Microaggressions: A Definition
- Who Is Targeted by Microaggressions?
- Intersectionality
- Examples of Microaggressions
- Intention versus Impact
- Video: Microaggressions and Good Intentions
- Three Types of Microaggressioins
- Microassaults
- Microinsults
- Microinvalidations
- Group Breakout Activity: Your Experience with Microaggressions
- The Impact of Microaggressions
Microaggressions at Work
- Microaggressions and Accountability
- Productive Responses to Microaggressions
- Being on the Receiving End
- Being Called out for a Comment or Action
- Activity: Exploring Real-Life Examples
Guided Role Play
- Conversational Guidelines
- Activity: Small-Group Scenario Work or Guided Role-Play
Summary and Next Steps
MDV2010e Course Code
For more information on this topic, as well as how Corporate Education Group can help power your organization’s performance, contact us via email or call 1.800.288.7246 (US only) or +1.978.649.8200. You can also use our Information Request Form!
