Pavla Uppal, M.A. and Afrouz Mobayen

This interactive and participatory workshop is offered both in-person and virtually. It is designed for HR professionals (referred to here as participants) who engage daily in multi-dimensional interactions in increasingly culturally diverse workplace environment. Such multi-layered diversity is a unique challenge which calls for a unique approach that cultivates a deeper understanding of what constitutes inclusion and how individuals can play an important role in it. Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand. Confucius 450 BC. The approach used in this workshop is Forum Theatre, which is part of a transformative methodology called Theatre of the Oppressed. It utilises embodied and interactive activities based on participants' stories and experiences and is the best fit to address the challenges they face in their diverse workplace. Through this process, participants are invited to actively examine possible solutions and alternative strategies to the challenges. The collective wisdom of a group and the individual experiences of participants are honoured by the facilitator who asks questions rather than offers ready-made solutions. Forum Theatre is participant-centred, and thus the content of the training is entirely based on the participants' lived experiences making the workshop particularly relevant to their professional growth. No previous theatre experience is necessary. During the workshop, participants will engage in individual and group activities involving simple movements, such as role playing, and re-enactments. While active participation is encouraged, those who do not choose to be involved physically become the audience, whose valuable insights further the exploration, and all participants reap the same benefits. The workshop is inclusive and accessible to all and accommodation is given for any special mobility needs. By the end of the workshop, participants will: - be able to identify aspects of an inclusive professional environment and relationships - be able to analyze situations from multiple perspectives - learn how to become sensitive to diversity in all its aspects (culture, identity, and ability) - develop communication skills necessary for an inclusive and diverse environment - learn to recognize individual responsibilities for implementing best inclusive practices in their work environment. The in-person workshop is best suitable for groups of up to 25 participants, held in an open space where chairs and tables can be easily moved to the side. The virtual workshop on Zoom platform is best suited for a maximum of 25 participants.

This interactive and participatory workshop is offered both in-person and virtually. It is designed for HR professionals who engage in multi-dimensional interactions in increasingly diverse workplace environments. Such multi-layered diversity is a unique challenge, which calls for a unique approach that cultivates a deeper understanding of what constitutes leadership and how individuals can play an important role in it. Forum Theatre, the transformative methodology used in the workshop empowers individuals for change. It helps raise awareness of unconscious biases, challenge those biases and previous assumptions, and highlights best possible practices moving forward. Forum Theatre also develops active listening skills, engages emotional intelligence, and accommodates varied learning styles. In the safety of simulated situations in the workshop, participants will role-play a variety of scenarios from their workplace. Moreover, they will transform the scenarios in collaboration with others into opportunities for growth by learning how to steer it to better outcomes. Participants will actively rehearse the implementation of best practices for leadership development through group activities involving simple movements, role-play, and re-enactments. While active participation is encouraged, those who do not choose to be involved in the interactive activities, become part of the audience whose valuable insights further the exploration, all participants reap the same benefits. The workshop is inclusive and accessible to all. For in-person workshops, accommodation is given for any special mobility needs. The workshop outcomes (objectives). Participants will: enhance their ability to recognise the talents in individual team members through the cultivation of empathy and asset-based leadership Identify barriers to communication and delegation of work be able to consider various aspects necessary for inclusion cultivate interpersonal skills such as active listening and conflict management The in-person workshop is best suitable for groups for up to 25 participants, held in an open space where chairs and tables can be easily moved to the side. The virtual workshop on Zoom platform is best suited for a maximum of 25 participants.