News and Reviews

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Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts

“The Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts program is one of the most effective tools we’ve seen that organizations can use against [biases and stereotypes].”

– Mike Streeter

Small group discussions played a key role in Wednesday’s [11/16/17] “Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts!” training at the Marshalltown Public Library. The audience learned about how to speak up against stereotypes, and how to recognize when they have used stereotyping.

“It’s up to all of us to communicate responsibly, whether we are in our personal life, whether we are in our business life.”

That was one of the many messages shared by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach human sciences specialist Malisa Rader at the “Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts!” training.

Rader presented six strategies to use while speaking up against stereotypes and biases: assume good intent and explain impact, ask a question, interrupt and redirect, broaden to universal human behavior, to make it individual or to say “Ouch!”

The audience went through several scenarios and shared which of the six strategies they would use to call out a stereotype.

To me, one of the most impressive things about the Ouch! program is its simplicity. It deals with what is often a highly charged and emotional subject in clear, straightforward language that all of us can understand and makes the case that we all greatly benefit, both individuals and organizations, from a bias-free workplace.

Biases and stereotypes are among the biggest barriers to creating an inclusive workplace. The Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts program is one of the most effective tools we’ve seen that organizations can use against them.

Have you ever heard someone say something biased or demeaning and you didn’t know whether to speak up? Have you ever said something unintentionally offensive and wished you could take it back? Would you like to know how to present information and lead discussions in ways that include everyone and avoid bias, stereotyping, discounting or potential discrimination?

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts is the book and video for you.

Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts is a very easy-to-use training program that makes a strong point. The examples are realistic, and the techniques are easy to implement. Remember, most people don’t speak up against bias because they don’t know how. This program teaches the how. With practice, it gives us confidence to handle those types of situations where before we might not have because we didn’t know what to do or say.”

I recommend Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts for any organization that wants to increase employee awareness of remarks that might seem OK on the surface but are really based on bias or stereotypes.

We would give Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts, 5 out of 5 stars because it handles the topic of diversity and stereotyping so well and yet remains entertaining. It provides real life examples and believable techniques for speaking up and speaking out against stereotypical statements that can lead to discrimination and harassment.

Diversity & Inclusion: It’s Our Business eLearning series

This content is contemporary, relevant and it’s not boring. Your employees will actually want to complete these modules.

Dr. Steve Yacovelli talks with Out In The Vineyard Radio

Radio Interview with Dr. Steve Yacovelli and Out In The Vineyard Radio (KSVY Sonoma 91.3FM) | 03/16/2017

"Diversity is you're invited to the dance … inclusion means someone comes up and asks you to actually dance."

Join Dr. Steve Yacovelli as he talks with Out In The Vineyard Radio (KSVY Sonoma 91.3FM) | www.outinthevineyard.com) about our Diversity & Inclusion: It's Our Business eLearning Series, with highlights about our New Insights: LGBT Community and Understanding the “T” in LGBT: Gender Identity & Gender Expression modules.

Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts eLearning

“Ouch provides some very specific techniques and suggestions to deal with stereotypes and bias in an honest and non-confrontational way.”

– Workforce Diversity Network,

The first time I was exposed to the Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts program, I really liked it. It’s clear and straightforward. People connect with it easily and can relate to the messages it sends. It’s an interactive, self-paced, 30-minute online learning experience that explores stereotypical comments and why people don’t speak up against stereotypes and other biased or disparaging behaviors.

Users learn six techniques for speaking up on behalf of respect. It includes a participant workbook and learning administrator’s guide for implementing Ouch! eLearning in any organization. We have all been on the receiving end of biases and stereotypes at some time in our lives and, unfortunately, we have all been guilty of stereotyping others to some degree.

The subject is often awkward and difficult to address and Ouch provides some very specific techniques and suggestions to deal with stereotypes and bias in an honest and non-confrontational way. It is a very powerful tool that any organization can use to move towards creating an inclusive culture, and having an eLearning version provides yet another approach to increase its effectiveness. I highly recommend it!