The Man and the Eagle - Diversity Discussion Starter (2024)

FAQs

How do you lead a diversity discussion? ›

What would our organization look like if it were more diverse and inclusive? What would we gain by being more diverse and inclusive? What is holding us back from maximizing diverse groups of people? What is one thing we can do to positively impact diversity and inclusion?

The man changed the bird drastically in this story. Without valuing the bird's special qualities, the man altered the bird to what he thought would be better. This story can be used to discuss discrimination and the effect it has on those who are discriminated against.

Set clear guidelines for open dialogue and respect. Encourage sharing experiences, address biases constructively, and guide conversations towards core principles. Use inclusive language, be mindful of power dynamics, and promptly resolve conflicts. Promote empathy and understanding by encouraging diverse perspectives.

“Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.” – Malcolm Forbes. “Share our similarities, celebrate our differences.” – M. Scott Peck. “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” – Stephen Covey.

Tips to write an effective Diversity Statement

If you have overcome obstacles to get to where you are, point those out. Focus on commonly accepted understandings of diversity and equity. Concentrate on issues such as race, gender, social class, and sexual orientation. Avoid false parallels.

Describe how your career has been enhanced by exposure to diverse people, places, or experiences. Please provide a specific example. What is your approach to dealing with discussions about potentially difficult topics, such as race, religion, politics, or sexual orientation? Please provide a specific example.

What is a good answer for diversity interview? ›

You could say something like: “Well, I've always been interested in learning more about different cultures and ethnicities. I'm fascinated by other people and their backgrounds.” Or maybe you could say: “I am very passionate about diversity because it helps us understand each other better.

Describe your understanding of diversity [inclusion] and why it is important to this position. What is your definition of diversity and how or why do you think diversity is important? In what ways do you think diversity is important to someone in the role of _____?

Finally, after a long life living as a chicken, the eagle passed away. He never knew the grand life that could have been his. The moral of the story: You become what you believe you are so aim high and be all that you can be.

“But there are two morals: First, the eagle was never interested in activities for which she had no talent. And second, it was easier for the eagle to do greater tasks when the tasks were aligned with her strengths. Each of you will graduate as an eagle to fly in your own direction.”

When the eagle was very small, he fell from the safety of his nest. A chicken farmer found the eagle, brought him to the farm, and raised him in a chicken coop among his many chickens. The eagle grew up doing what chickens do, living like a chicken, and believing he was a chicken.

Leading DEI conversations isn't about dominating the conversation. Your role is to create a safe space for other voices to be heard. Work on active listening, asking open-ended questions, and encouraging respectful dialogue. We all have them, but they can cloud our judgment.

To lead an inclusive meeting, one must plan ahead, know how to manage their time, ensure participation is equitable, and, most importantly, successfully help the group process the content of the meeting so that everyone is on the same page and can benefit from being there.

Lead by Example as a Role Model

Think about cultural diversity in nursing education and professional development contexts to encourage best practices and build a supportive work culture. Be receptive to others' perspectives and experiences and seek their feedback on creating a more inclusive environment.