Sensitivity Training

Understand how your words land with people whose experiences differ

Why It Matters

Many workplace tensions start with a remark the speaker considered harmless: a joke about an accent, a question about someone's hair or faith, an assumption about who has a family. The impact can be lasting, and people on the receiving end often say nothing. Building awareness of how language and behavior land across backgrounds helps employees communicate with more care. Organizations see fewer misunderstandings, stronger working relationships, and better service to diverse communities.

Course Description

Awareness is the goal here, built through reflection and real examples rather than lectures. Participants explore how their own background shapes what they consider normal, polite, or funny. The group then examines everyday language and behavior that can land differently than intended, including humor, nicknames, assumptions about family or religion, comments on appearance, and disability-related language. A guided exercise contrasts intent with impact using brief workplace scenarios. Participants practice two key skills: apologizing sincerely when they have caused harm, and checking in respectfully when they are unsure. A further segment covers responding when a colleague's comment misses the mark. Ground rules support honest, respectful discussion throughout. Each person leaves with one phrase or habit they plan to change.

Key Focus Areas

Participants explore and practice:

How personal background shapes assumptions and norms
Language, humor, and questions that land differently than intended
Intent versus impact in everyday interactions
Apologizing sincerely and repairing after a misstep
Asking respectful questions when you are unsure

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

Identify common phrases or behaviors that may alienate colleagues
Explain the difference between intent and impact using a workplace example
Deliver a sincere apology after an unintended offense
Respond to a colleague's insensitive comment respectfully and directly

Who Should Attend

All employees
Customer- and community-facing staff
Teams serving diverse populations
Supervisors addressing team concerns

Delivery and Customization

Examples, scenarios, and activities are adapted to your audience and goals. Delivery is available in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format, as a standalone session or as part of a series. Format and length are agreed during scoping.

Related Courses

Civility in the Workplace · Teamwork, Culture & Inclusion
Respect in the Workplace · Teamwork, Culture & Inclusion
Unconscious Bias · Teamwork, Culture & Inclusion
Workplace Diversity · Teamwork, Culture & Inclusion

Bring Sensitivity Training to your team

Tell us about your audience and goals. We will follow up to scope objectives, format, and timing.

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