An Elephant in the Room: An Equality and Diversity Training Manual

Most people are not racist, sexist, homophobic, ageist, or prejudiced against faith groups and they don't deliberately make life harder for people with a disability. However, they are bombarded with negative stereotypes and myths in their daily lives. Their own limited opportunity for mixing with people different from them can lead to ignorance, insensitivity, and unthinking prejudice. This manual contains photocopiable material which can be used by business organizations in small discussion groups to challenge negative stereotypes, myths, and prejudices by way of increasing awareness. The manual recognizes the importance of developing leadership from the top and of creating a safe environment for people to challenge and be challenged. An Elephant in the Room gives managers, trainers, and personnel staff the material to raise the profile of equality and diversity in their organization. Taken as a whole, the manual will help: change the way people think and behave at work - enable managers to become better people managers - enable the organization to realize the full benefits of a diverse workforce - increase the awareness and sensitivity of staff towards their colleagues and their customers - create equality and diversity champions.