Seven Ways You Can Show Respect to Your Diverse Team

Written by Kelly McDonald and Narrated by Pam Atherton.

Respect is profoundly meaningful, but costs nothing to give. Here are ways you can demonstrate (and model) respect for your diverse cow­orkers, regardless of who they are or what their positions are within your organization:

1. Listen without interruption, arguing, or defensiveness.

This may be the most important—and easiest—thing you can do. When working with people who are different from you, actively listen­ing to their ideas, feedback, thoughts, or concerns conveys tremendous respect. Give them your full attention and let them finish speaking before you comment or ask a question.

2. Ask questions.

Questions are respectful because they encourage someone to share their opinions, ideas, and input. When talking with team members, particularly about difficult subjects such as race or inequity at work, we are often uncomfortable asking questions, because we don’t know where the answer will lead. And we’re uncomfortable with the conversation as a whole, so we sure don’t want to prolong it by asking questions—we just want it over with!

But asking questions such as “Can you tell me more about that idea?” or “What are the obstacles we need to identify to address this?” or “What do you think is the best way to proceed?” are not only viable, they also convey that you’re committed. You’re in this, and you’re not afraid to learn more.

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It's Time to Talk about Race at Work

It's Time to Talk about Race at Work: Every Leader's Guide to Making Progress on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
by Kelly McDonald

In It's Time to Talk about Race at Work, acclaimed speaker and bestselling author Kelly McDonald delivers a much-needed roadmap for business people. This book will help you successfully create a fair and equitable workplace that recognizes diverse talent and fosters productive and constructive conversations in your organization.

This book shows you exactly what to do and how to do it so that you can make real progress on diversity and inclusion, regardless of the size of your organization. 

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as an Audiobook and a Kindle edition.

About the Author

What does a blond haired, blue-eyed, White woman know about diversity? Kelly McDonald is considered one of the nation’s top experts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership, marketing, the customer experience, and consumer trends. She is the founder of McDonald Marketing, which has twice been named one of the “Top Ad Agencies in the U.S.” by Advertising Age magazine and ranked as one of the fastest-growing independently-owned companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine.

Kelly is a sought-after speaker and was named one of the “10 Most Booked Speakers in the U.S.”. She is the author of four bestselling books on diversity & inclusion, marketing, the customer experience and leadership. When she’s not on the road speaking, she enjoys boxing (yes, boxing, not kickboxing) – and shopping for high heels.

Visit her website at McDonaldMarketing.com

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