Farming Out Your Diversity Training

Did this episode get you thinking, or did we miss the mark? Let us know by leaving us a message on SpeakPipe. In this episode, Jake reminds Chris of the time some well-intentioned soup kitchen volunteers wanted to help “Billy-bob” change his life by sending him off to the church farm to be reformed. While cautioning against living by lists and checkboxes, Chris contemplates the how 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous build group cohesion, overcome labelling stigma, all while embarking on personal growth and reflection journeys. They also explore the concept of the purpose economy and urge leaders to be guided by principles when attempting to instill lasting change to organizational culture and climate. For more information: https://www.rw.institute/ Follow Disorienting Dilemma on Twitter: @podcastdilemma Resources/materials: What is the BigBook and the 12 Steps of AA?: “One can not simply read the 12 steps and be done with them. In order to have a spiritual awakening, an alcoholic must do the 12 steps with another alcoholic. The alcoholic must learn to be vulnerable with other people again, as most alcoholics that are well into their disease live life in an isolated fashion, based out of fear.” Does AA work?: “Surprisingly, we found that AA and related 12-step clinical treatments demonstrated the ability to produce higher abstinence and remission rates at a much-reduced health care cost as compared to other well-established clinical treatments.” No quick fixes: “DEI is not a one-and-done effort. To be most effective, consider implementing an evolving practice that addresses concerns and conversations as they develop. As our awareness grows and changes regarding issues that are important to our team members, so, too, should our DEI training.” Brain work: “Habits emerge without our permission. We live our lives driven by cues, routines, and rewards that quietly develop over time. The more we do something — eat nuts while watching TV, ride a bike, play an instrument, study a new language — the stronger the neuronal circuit that supports that habit becomes. What this means is that we have the power to grow new neural pathways by practising new habits.” Purpose Economy: “People don't go to work just to get a paycheck; they want to feel what they are doing matters to the world and that they are growing in the job.”