Inclusive Conversations

Fostering Equity, Empathy, and Belonging Across Differences

By: Mary-Frances Winters

Narrated by: Robin Miles

"What is impressive is not only how Winters builds a case for the urgency and need for bold, inclusive conversations but that she also gives specific strategies and competencies to turn her theory into practice.” (Dr. Sheila Robinson, publisher and CEO, Diversity Woman Media)

Effective dialogue across different dimensions of diversity, such as race, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation, fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion, which in turn leads to greater productivity, performance, and innovation. Whether in the workplace, faith communities, or educational settings, our differences can tear us apart rather than bring us together if we do not know how to communicate. Recognizing our collective responsibility to earnestly address our differences and increase understanding and empathy will not only enhance organizational goals but will also lead to a healthier, kinder, and more compassionate world.

Award-winning diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant Mary-Frances Winters has been leading workshops on what she calls Bold, Inclusive Conversations for years. In this book she offers specific dialogue strategies to foster greater understanding on the following topics:

• Recognizing the importance of creating equity and sharing power
• Dealing with the "fragility" of dominant groups - their discomfort in engaging with historically subordinated groups
• Addressing the exhaustion historically marginalized groups feel from constantly explaining their different lived experience
• Exploring how to build trust and create psychologically safe spaces for dialogue

This guide is comprehensive for anyone who wants to break down the barriers that separate us and facilitate discussions on potentially polarizing topics.

©2020 Mary-Frances Winters (P)2020 Mary-Frances Winters

Must read if you desire to engage in inclusive con

This is the most actionable, researched, comprehensive book on how to listen, respond and engage in inclusive conversations. Mary Francis Winters is an extraordinary leader in the field of inclusion, equity, and belonging. Thank you for publishing this book👏

Get past chapter 1&2. Then it’s great.

Chapter 1&2 are about an hour of talking about what the book will be about. I’d recommend skipping those chapters.

Chapters 3-11 are great. Good content with good examples. Approachable without being dumped down.

Insightful

Good to see a perspective outside my own. We read this book as part of a series to foster D&I at my workplace. the discussions were net value add.

fundamental

could have been 2 chapters read in 40 minutes. Good concepts, stories and examples, yet don't feel there were any solid tools provided to use personally or in an organization.