I thought this week's discussion about diversity and working with people from different backgrounds was very productive, and important as we move on to next fall and will be facilitating groups of individuals that will likely come from very diverse backgrounds.
What I feel I have the most to gain from this fall from my experience being a Hixson section leader is just simply the experience of working with around 10 different individuals, who all have different attributes. I think there's a lot of value for a leader to be exposed to as many personality types as possible in a professional setting, to better understand how to be the most productive despite differences.
Something I talked with Carly about during the lecture that I didn't share with the class but think really rings true is that if you want to be more accepting to others from different backgrounds, the first step is engaging in conversation. It's so easy now a days to be in your own little world, and to stay within your comfort zone via ipod, cell phone, tablet, or computer. How often do you see strangers talking on the bus, doctors office waiting room, or in line for Panda Express? Usually people from our generation don't want to make small talk, they'd rather check in with their friends on Facebook, play Angry Birds, or have their headphones in. In order for our generation to start becoming more accepting to people from different backgrounds there actually needs to be some one on one engagement, and I feel like we're loosing that. Also don't be afraid to look somebody in the eyes, shake their hand, and tell them your name.
From the reading I really liked the idea that we need to accept that fact that we're not all perfect, nobody is, and once we can accept that we can understand that the way we live our lives isn't the "right" way to live, but just one of many different ways. Accept the fact that sometimes people will do things not necessarily the exact same way as you would, but as long as the job gets done that's really what matters.
Corey! so true we're not all perfect. I really liked reading your blog this week, it was very reflective.
ReplyDeleteGreat point about conversation being the first step to accepting others! Thank you for bringing that up!
ReplyDeleteBeing able to take that step in making conversation with strangers is a great idea! It is so true that people would rather not step out of their comfort zone; once they are satisfied with the friends they have it seems like they would rather just work on those relationships than making new ones. Every where I look people are always either on their phone, ipod, or computer.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog Corey - there was a lot of thought put into it. It's true that the younger generation doesn't seem to value person-to-person communication as much as older generations. It's not necessarily a bad thing that we live in a culture where we can communicate so freely over text or email, but perhaps society is losing something by moving away from traditional conversations. Kinda losing that personal touch.
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