Facilitating & Managing Resistance to DEI Change

Overview

Implementing impactful DEI initiatives often meets resistance within organizations. Change agents and facilitators play a crucial role in mitigating this resistance by understanding its psychological roots and employing strategies tailored to the sources of opposition. In this transformational, engaging, and interactive course, we will discuss frameworks for making sense of backlash to DEI efforts, reflect on the facilitator’s role, and explore proven techniques for reducing defensiveness and generating buy-in.

We offer the 1-hour or full-day course in the following formats:

Virtual
On-Demand
In-person

Continue reading for a full description of each module.

1-hour Session

Module 1. The Psychology of Resistance to DEI Change

Common emotional reactions like fear, uncertainty, and loss of control
Cognitive biases like preferring the status quo and distrusting leadership motives
Differences between active and passive resistance

Module 2. Your Role as Facilitator in Mitigating Resistance

Communicating the vision as an advocate and educator
Providing inclusive process leadership and project management
Generating buy-in through stakeholder engagement

Module 3. Strategies for Mitigating Resistance

Framing DEI as aligning with organizational values and benefits
Providing platforms for skeptics to voice concerns and feel heard
Leveraging data and storytelling to celebrate small wins and progress

Takeaways:

Frameworks for Understanding Resistance to DEI
Reflection on the facilitator's responsibilities and influence
Actionable techniques for reducing opposition and gaining support

To schedule, contact us

Full-Day Session

Module 1: Introduction to DEI Change Management

Explain why DEI change management is important for organizations
Discuss common reactions and resistance to organizational DEI change
Outline the role of practitioners in leading and managing DEI change

Module 2: Understanding Resistance to Change

Explore common reasons people resist change
Types of resistance
Common behaviors that signal resistance to DEI change
The importance of uncovering the root causes of resistance

Module 3: Strategies for Managing DEI Resistance

The role of stakeholders
How to communicate effectively
Training and development opportunities

Module 4: Implementing Change Step-by-Step

The DEI change management process
How to support staff during the DEI transition period
How to reinforce connections between DEI change and organizational success

Module 5: Leading Through DEI Change

Role model desired mindsets and behaviors
Inspire excitement and conviction about the DEI change
Maintain transparency around DEI goals and decisions

To schedule, contact us

Facilitating & Managing Resistance to DEI Change

Overview

1-hour Session

Full-Day Session

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