What Kind of Diversity Training Really Works?

There's all kinds of diversity training methods out there: lectures, slideshows, videos,  interactive games, elearning, role-playing,  group hugs, you name it.  So, how the heck do you know which ones are any good?

You could rely on the recommendations of professional organizations like SHRM (the Society of Human Resource Management) or Big Name consulting/training organizations.   But, I would argue that they are heavily biased in favor of their own in-house programs, rather than what really makes a difference in the training room.

A quick disclaimer - I too am totally biased because I'm a  trainer who specializes in using live, professional theater as a diversity training tool.  I 'm convinced this methodology is the most powerful and effective methodology available bar none.

But, if we were to set some standards for corporate diversity training, what would they be?  Herewith are my Ten Expectations of a Good Diversity Training Program.

1. The Business Case: any good diversity training program has got to make the "business case" for why diversity is good for the company.  There's plenty of programs out there that talk about diversity from the moral and politically correct point of view; far fewer make a solid business case for how diversity is directly linked to the bottom line.

2. Diversity Defined Broadly: if a diversity training program is still focusing on race and gender differences - although these are very important - then it is out of date.  Diversity includes all kinds of uniqueness and differences, not just race and gender.

3. Powerful Impact: the program must touch the participant in a deep way.  Diversity is a highly "loaded" topic and people come to it with all sorts of biases and pre-conceptions.  A good diversity program will challenge participants' assumptions and biases and cause them to be introspective.  The way to do this is to get through someone's intellect and into their heart, where they really live.  If you can touch them there, you can generate an introspective dialogue which can be extremely powerful.

4. Blame Free: ...