User's Guide to the

New Cultural Diversity Library

Welcome to a unique collection of resources on diversity in the workplace assembled for you by ODT, Inc. This guide will help you prioritize your journey through these materials, and help you find those resources most on-target for your company's objectives and your personal learning goals. We are also available by phone (800-736-1293) and e-mail (odtstore@odt.org) to answer your questions, help in applying these resources, or assist you in locating supplementary materials. Our consulting division also provides keynote presentations and customized workshops on these topics and others (see our "Systems and Capabilities" sheet included at the end of this User's Guide).

 

The CULTURAL DIVERSITY SOURCEBOOK is an anthology of feature- length pieces for a professional audience of Human Resource managers and other diversity professionals and teachers. It includes perspectives from the political "left" as well as "right" and contains classic source pieces that provide a useful historical context for many current diversity issues. Also, 25% of the text is original material written specifically for this volume. (505 pages, paperback)

 

The CULTURAL DIVERSITY FIELDBOOK is a hands-on resource that distills key perspectives on diversity and presents them in an action-oriented interactive format. Icons identify the pieces as:  perspectives or opinions, facts, interviews, first person accounts, activities, resources, and guideposts. (273 pages, paperback)

 

The CULTURAL DIVERSITY SUPPLEMENT: NUMBER ONE contains sensitive and powerful pieces that supplement the FIELDBOOK. It also contains longer activities and perspectives not found in the other works. Contributors include Gloria Steinem, Ward Churchill, Walter E. Williams, Thomas Sowell and others. Warning: some pieces contain profanity and racial epithets. (160 pages, paperback)

 

These above three books have won numerous awards! They are the ONLY books on diversity that are truly diverse in terms of perspective and opinion. Contributors span the range of political opinion from Progressives like Jeremy Rifkin, Katha Pollett, Gloria Steinem, Maya Angelou, and Howard Zinn to conservatives like Thomas Sowell, Walter E. Williams, John Bunzel, Doug Bandow, and Charles Krauthammer.

We recommend the FIELDBOOK for any diversity class. It is fun to read and difficult to put down. However, we believe that the teacher of a class based on the FIELDBOOK must have a high level of process skills to facilitate group discussions since the material tends to be controversial. Facilitator skill may not be as necessary for classes composed of advanced students or those with sophistication about the topic. Even participants and trainers with a high degree of awareness will surely find the book challenging and full of opportunities for rich discussion. Be sure there is time in the classroom for a free exchange of opinion, or ample follow-up opportunity for participants to work with the issues. The SOURCEBOOK is, appropriate for a full-semester -university course. It is also, suitable as a reference work for corporate training classes (however, it is too lengthy to use as a primary text for a short course). The SUPPLEMENT can be used as a free-standing workbook, or used for follow-up activities to the FIELDBOOK or SOURCEBOOK.

 

Breaking Into the Boardroom: What Every Woman Needs to Know When Talent and Hard Work Aren't Enough - An engaging quick-read paperback. Explains how gender roles are conditioned from thousands of years of role- related behavior. It's no wonder there's a gender gap! As provocative as Deborah Tannen's work (or John Gray's), but far less widely known. (167pages, paperback) SPECIAL NOTE: This book is currently out-of-print, but we got permission from the former publisher to photocopy it for you!

There are videos and other training resources that support the concepts expressed in this book. They are available from Billi Lee & Company at 719-266-1977; www.billilee.com;  e-mail: billilee@billilee.com.

 

Empowering Your Diverse Workforce - A workbook chock-full of tipsheets, article reprints, and seminar handouts. Integrates diversity with Performance Management, Self-Directed Work Teams, and 360-degree Feedback Systems. (150 pages, comb-bound)

ODT uses these workbooks for our one-day showcase sessions. We recommend that diversity not be treated as a separate topic within the corporate training curriculum, but rather should be integrated within all topics (particularly those that have a bottom-line orientation, such as Performance Management, Quality, Leadership & Supervisory Management Skills, 360-degree feedback, and training for Self-Directed Work Teams). Diversity will have higher perceived value to participants, and greater impact and "staying power," if it is integrated within other programs and related to immediate day-to-day job demands.

We also have noted that a diversity initiative is far more likely to add value and have a favorable impact if an organization has already undertaken thorough training in these other topic areas. Conversely, without a groundwork in the values and skills that underlie Quality efforts, or other Leadership and Empowerment topics, a diversity initiative will have an uphill battle for credibility and relevance.

Many of the skills required to manage diversity effectively are taught through these other efforts. Since diversity training tends to generate more resistance than these other topics, it is prudent for an organization NOT to attempt to teach higher level skills around problem solving, communication, giving & receiving feedback, overcoming perceptual errors, etc. within a diversity program. Diversity programs work best when they build upon the skills acquired through other initiatives.

 

Working Together: How to Become More Effective in a Multicultural Organization - A "read-think-do " workbook. Appropriate for self-study or classroom training. All time best-seller! U.S. government GSA agency custom- designed a course based on the book and trained over 5,000 personnel. Simply the best introduction to diversity we've ever found! (72 pages, paperback)

 

This is our favorite introductory diversity book! It provides a non- threatening approach that everyone can relate to. It is inexpensive, easy to use in the classroom, and written at a level that is accessible for the widest possible audience. In contrast to the CULTURAL DIVERSITY FIELDBOOK, Working Together doesn't require skilled facilitation. For organizations wary of opening a "can of worms" with a diversity program, Working Together provides a safe entre into the field.

Sexual Orientation in the Workplace: Gay men, Lesbians, Bisexuals & Heterosexuals Working Together - Presents a non-threatening way to handle the issue positively and proactively. Full of exercises and activities to raise awareness and increase everyone's comfort level. (88 pages, paperback)

Workshops and seminars are available from one of the authors,

Amy Zuckerman, who can be reached at e-mail: diversitya2z@mindspring.com

 

Beyond Generation X: A Practical Guide for Managers, 188 tips, tools, and techniques that narrow the gap at work. How to recruit, motivate and retain this group of workers. Full of outstanding checklists! (120 pages, paperback)

 

We often find this topic to be of greatest interest to those organizations in a growth mode. We believe this demographic category belongs in any general diversity training program.

 

Dealing with Subtle Discrimination AUDIOTAPE. Four critical concepts are discussed:

(1) the impact of feeling like an outsider, (2) distinctions between INTENT versus EFFECT,

(3) the importance of COMFORT versus COMPETENCE in a person's career success, and

(4) understanding that perception IS reality.

This tape was created from a live television call-in show in Richmond VA. ODT Senior Associate Dianne LaMountain provides useful guidelines for both majority-culture groups as well as those targeted by discrimination. Dianne was a nationally recognized trainer and professional speaker who passed away in January of 2003. Her husband and business partner, Dennis LaMountain carries on her work and he can be reached via ODT at 413-549-1327 or e-mail: d-lamount@juno.com.

 

It has become increasingly clear that while the old-fashioned blatant forms of racism are on the decline, newer forms arise In their place (refer to the CULTURAL DIVERSITY SOURCEBOOK page 424 -- "Recognizing the "New" Racism" by John Dovidio).

The dynamics of racism play themselves out differently for working-class African- Americans, versus middle-class African-Americans, versus affluent African-Americans. It is imperative that we are aware of these differences and address racism in all its pernicious forms. For a discussion of how class and race intersect see the "dialogue" section in the CULTURAL DIVERSITY SOURCEBOOK on pages 50 - 53.

 

Part of the Team REPRODUCIBLE DIVERSITY VIDEO: (17 minutes, copyright-free) produced by IBM, the National Easter Seal Society and ODT. The video interviews people with disabilities and their managers. It is poignant, touching and hard-hitting. We hear from managers about their fears and concerns regarding hiring differently-abled people, and how the manager-employee team overcame the social awkwardness (as well as the minimal accommodation required) to utilize the employee in a highly productive fashion.

We often use this video for diversity issues beyond the "disability area." Managers' discomfort with disabilities can serve as a metaphor for discomfort with a wide array of ways in which people are different. The film can be a springboard for a way to close the "difference-gap" on gender, age, race, and many other issues. You are welcome to reproduce this tape freely and distribute it to as many people as you wish!

 

 

SELF-ESTEEM PASSPORT - A great diversity follow-up activity. This U.S. passport look-alike is cute, engaging, and up-beat! Low self-esteem is directly related to prejudice and bigotry. This interactive tool gets people to look at themselves in a positive way. See the attached article from Creative Management for more information about how this innovative resource can be used in diversity training. (NOTE: We also have acquired the rights to publish a GLOBAL CITIZEN'S SELF-ESTEEM PASSPORT which we hope to have available in 2005.

Call ODT if you have an interest in bulk quantities at pre-publication prices.

 

PETERS MAP RESOURCES include: Peters Wall Map, Peters Map postcards, Seeing Through Maps book and the New View of the World booklet. The Peters map is a startling revelation of our ethnocentric biases and preconceived distortions about how the world really is. The Peters map accurately portrays land masses in TRUE proportion to one another (one square inch anywhere on the map is an equal number of square miles!). See enclosed article from Managing Diversity Newsletter found in the paper-clipped literature at the top of your Library (also see Training & Development, March, 1999, pages 54-55).

The Peters map is used by trainers to "unfreeze" trainees and facilitate an openness to new world views. Jane Elliott, a pioneer in anti-racism work (her work featured in films "Eye of the Storm," "A Class Divided, " and "Blue-Eyed"), uses the Peters World map in many of her training sessions.

ODT is the publisher of the map for North America and is the exclusive source for licensing the image of the map to use in diversity training and other programs. We have overhead transparencies and 35 mm. slides available. Call 800-736-1293 for further info. Also, a  laminated version of a new equal area map, the Hobo-Dyer map (www.odt.org/hdp) is available for in-house training purposes (press release enclosed in paper-clipped packet). It is placemat sized. The Hobo-Dyer placemat map and the Peters  postcards make great, low-cost training aids.

 

WORKING WITH PEOPLE FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS tipsheet:

Useful pre-, during, or post-diversity training. The self-quiz on first 1-1/2 pages shows the variety of perspectives and outlooks possible. See press release clipped to back of the tipsheet.

The self-quiz contains matched pairs of diverse cultural attitudes/ perspectives. Ask trainees to go through the list, checking off the item of the pair that they most closely relate to. Next, poll the group to explore the differences that exist. This is a great discussion-starter, and can lead to lots of fruitful exchanges about how our backgrounds influence our view of the world (and core values). Volume discounts are indicated on the flyer, "Empower Your Workforce With These High-impact, Low-Cost Tipsheets."

 

Test Your Multicultural IQ is a brief quiz drawn from an 85-item Diversity Awareness Assessment by David Tulin.

The quiz is found in the Questions of Diversity (www.odt.org). For a detailed list of the sources used in the quiz, send a SASE to ODT, Box 134-A, Amherst MA 01004. The Questions of Diversity is a comprehensive collection of diversity diagnostic instruments that enable an organization to assess its readiness to undertake a diversity initiative. It is available in two formats: (1) plastic laminated cover, wire spiral bound, 236 pages for $99, and (2) disk-based in Word 7.0 with loose- leaf pages in a 3-ring binder for $100. Both versions enable users to reproduce the contents on an unlimited basis for in-house use (at a single location). Teachers or consultants wishing to use the materials in the classroom or with client organization must contact ODT (800-736-1293) for permission.

 

Success Strategies also known as "Dealing With Diversity: Playing Straight with a Mixed Deck" -  This seminal article by Bob Abramms and Diane Johns, found at the end of your paper-clipped packet, is the most widely read introduction to diversity available (over 500,000 copies in circulation). It can also be ordered on the web at: http://216.117.165.145/mcart/index.cgi?code=3&cat=8

It has been reprinted in over 60 magazines and was deliberately written as non-copyrighted material. You are free to reproduce it as long as no fee is charged.

Color copies on glossy paper are available at a nominal fee from ODT.

See: http://216.117.165.145/mcart/index.cgi?code=3&cat=6

 

We hope you have found our New Cultural Diversity Library valuable. If you would like to discuss any of the materials included here, feel free to call any of our Senior Associates at 800-736-1293 (or e-mail us at odtstore@odt.org). Senior Associates are also available for diversity diagnostic consultations and the delivery of training programs. The last sheet in this stapled packet is our consulting "Systems and Capabilities" sheet.

Our "Train-the-trainer Summary Sheet" is at http://www.odt.org/dttsample.htm

We wish you well in your continuing exploration of cultural diversity.

 

Regards,

 

The Staff at ODT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rev: 5/9/03

 

 

 

 

MANAGING A CULTURALLY DIVERSE WORKFORCE

 

Systems and Capabilities from ODT, Inc.

 

Organizations have the opportunity to work with people who reflect a great richness and variety of cultures, lifestyles, religions, races, beliefs and a myriad of personal perspectives. These differences can add value, depth and dimension to any organization's products and services. These differences can also serve as a catalyst for fear, confusion and alienation on the sides of both employees and management.

 

Your organization's ability to meet customer needs, maintain profitability and make employees feel part of an effective workforce in our changing world is directly related to a willingness and ability to manage diversity in the workplace. ODT, Inc. offers consulting services and products for diversity training which are tailored to address your unique organizational environment.

 

In consultation with our skilled diversity team members, module choices include:

 

How to Avoid Stereotyping & the Pitfalls of Perception

Basic Diversity Awareness

How To Handle Subtle Discrimination

Creating New Mental Maps

Cognitive/Thinking Styles

Bridging Male/Female Communications

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Increasing Team Effectiveness

 

ODT, Inc. offers full-scale customized materials including workbooks, tip-sheets, job-aids, Train-the-Trainer events and program licensing. Training programs in diversity awareness begin at $2,000 plus expenses and materials. Train-the-Trainer programs (including off-site diagnostic work, design of customized materials, and program delivery at your site) begin at $11,000 plus materials and expenses.

 

Full-scale systems implementation begins at $25,000.

 

Please call Howard Bronstein to discuss bringing Diversity Awareness Training to your organization. We look forward to working with you and facilitating your growth in diversity issues.

 

ODT, Inc. P.O. Box 134 Amherst, MA 01004;  www.odt.org;  1-800-736-1293

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rev: 5/9/03