The Purpose of Diversity Training

The purpose of diversity training is to help people learn about others who are different to them. Participants are encouraged to learn more about others and to become more tolerant of them with a view to improving communication in the workplace. In order to be a Diversity Trainer there are certain skills needed. Self awareness is probably the most important attribute. There is no point in encouraging other people to be more open minded if the Trainer is not. I feel that I have been through a lot in my lifetime, in particular growing up in Northern Ireland I have seen first hand what intolerance brings to a community. In my other role as a mother I also try to be tolerant – this, as other parents will tell you is not always easy when a child is testing your boundaries and you feel like you are going to snap. Come to think of it, in my role as a mother I am also a trainer, I am training my children how to behave, to have manners and to respect other people. Again I have got to practise what I preach.
Another thing that people say to me at the present time is – why would companies bother with Diversity Training when they are having to let people go because there is a recession on. It is up to me to convince organisations of the benefits of Diversity Training.
One example someone gave me last week was of a female Garda (police officer) who was 53 tall. A number of years ago the height restriction to join the Gardai was reduced because many women were not tall enough to qualify. This acquaintance of mine thought that a 53 Garda was political correctness gone mad. Straightaway he came to the conclusion that this woman was not up to the job. I think he is wrong anybody will tell you that when nightclubs are hiring bouncers they dont want the guy who is 6 foot tall and 6 foot wide who might pick a fight with the punters they prefer to employ someone who can talk their way out of a situation. So its brains and not brawn. Just to qualify I am aware that the image of the large bouncer is also a stereotype, it is best to judge people on merit. That female Garda might have great experience and a sharp mind and be excellent at her job....
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The Purpose of Diversity Training