When you hear a disrespectful comment or joke, you have a choice:
Reinforce it by laughing or joining in. Tolerate it by saying nothing, which is what most people do. Or speak up and become an ally, the hardest thing of all.
Staying silent in the face of demeaning comments, stereotypes or bias allows these attitudes and behaviors to thrive.
This undermines our ability to create an inclusive workplace where all employees are welcomed, treated with respect and able to do their best work. Yet, most people who want to speak up don't know how. So, we say nothing.
As Daniel Goleman writes, "saying nothing serves to condone it (bias)." Biased, stereotypical, or otherwise demeaning
communication undermines morale, teamwork, and productivity.
It can drive customers away. It can cause a public relations fiasco (just ask Don Imus or Mel Gibson). So, what can you do to speak up against stereotypes? Just say ... Ouch!