Medtrainer Understanding and Working with Diversity Training

Welcome to Medtrainer Understanding and Working with Diversity training – Chapter One. In this Chapter, we will discuss how embracing diversity benefits individuals and the organization. The word diversity is often interpreted as be different or unusual. Diversity is often categorized by race, origin, religion, gender, and political preferences which are often distorted by prejudices. We will look at diversity as a strength, the collective talents of many, and the strength of embracing individual differences. Let’s begin by taking a close look into the mirror. Who are you? How old are you? Where were you born and where are you parents and their parents from? What color is your skin? How much influence does do these factors have in the way you are interacting with others in the workplace? Now take a closer look at where you work. How many people are different from you at work? Are there groups of people that you don’t understand or have a â€Å"bad feeling† towards what they represent. If you don’t really know them or understand them, why is it so easy to label â€Å"them†? Embracing diversity is not just about color, race and where you come from, or it is about who we are together. The skills we have that get the work done is not based on the skills of a few. Conflict can arise with or without diversity, so it is important to not to associate conflict with diversity. But conflicts from a lack of understanding, acceptance and cooperation can lead to diversity conflict.