Trainer's Diversity Source Book

HR Magazine,  Dec, 2004  by Leigh Rivenbark

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Trainer's Diversity Source Book

By Jonamay Lambert and Selma Myers

Society for Human Resource Management and American Society for Training & Development, 2004

224 pages, List price: $59.95, ISBN: 1-58644-063-2

An inclusive organization-one in which employees feel valued and appreciated-means good things for business, and learning about diversity is essential to building and developing such an organization. But implementing a successful diversity training program requires effective tools and resources, a number of which can be found in the Trainer's Diversity Source Book.

In the book, authors Jonamay Lambert and Selma Myers provide dozens of brief activities from icebreakers to team-building exercises to conflict resolution practices. The authors also supply several diversity training resources, including a list of web sites that track trends in diversity training, templates for diversity-related communications and a list of materials included on the accompanying CD-ROM.

Effective icebreakers help create a welcome environment that encourages participation, the authors say. In one exercise, the trainer calls out a trait or behavior, such as "likes to fish," and asks people to stand if they fall into that category. Some people may be surprised at what they have in common with others, and forming these connections will help participants open up.

Lambert and Myers also present activities that help build inclusive and successful teams. One activity asks participants to describe their attitudes toward commitment. Another has them complete a team diversity assessment that can be used to measure team effectiveness.

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When wrapping up diversity training, it is often helpful to allow participants to reflect privately first and then with the group. The authors suggest asking participants to develop an action plan or a timeline for addressing diversity issues, or having them write "words of wisdom" about the benefits of diversity as though they were writing a fortune cookie statement.

Lambert and Myers also give examples of how trainers can effectively handle certain sensitive discussions. "Remember that when facilitating value-related discussions, the goal is not necessarily to reach consensus. Rather, it is to help participants see beyond their personal outlooks and examine how their values may play out for others," they say.

Buy the Book

This book can be purchased through the SHRMStore online. Members receive a discount off the list price. Visit www.shrm.org/shrmstore and search for item number 61.12502.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Society for Human Resource Management
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group