Originally published on July 7, 2016. Joining the Army after college was a no-brainer for military veteran Ryan Kules. The Arizona native always knew he wanted to serve his country, and in 2002, he got his chance. In February 2005, he was deployed to Iraq. Nine months later, Kules wound…
Tag: Things NOT To Say
10 Things NEVER to Say to a Black Coworker
“Fried chicken, anyone?” “You speak really well.” “Is that your real hair?” You’d think the taboo subjects and phrases would be clearly outlined and understood by all when it comes to what is and is not acceptable to say to a Black colleague. But that’s far from the case. Here…
7 Things NEVER to Say to LGBT Coworkers
For most, coming out at work is not an easy task. You can’t be sure how your company or peers will respond to your revelation. And despite recent reports that the workplace is growing increasingly accepting to LGBT employees, people often don’t know how to welcome a colleague who recently…
Memorial Day: What It Means, Why It's Not 'Veterans Day' and How to Approach Your Veterans
On Memorial Day, many well-intentioned people take time to tell the veterans in their lives, “Thank you for your service.” This common misconception, that Memorial Day is a time to thank veterans, is not in fact what the holiday is intended for. “Memorial Day is essentially the one day that…
'Are You the Husband or the Wife' 6 Things NOT to Say to LGBT People
Left: Jean-Marie Navetta; Right: Doug Case The growing acceptance of same-gender marriage and diversity in sexual orientation in recent years has shifted mindsets and removed a lot of blatant discrimination toward LGBTs from workplaces, says Jean-Marie Navetta, director of equality & diversity partnerships at PFLAG National, a nonprofit grassroots organization…
9 Things NOT to Say to Women Coworkers
Bell, Lee, Vazquez Before you make that “harmless” little comment to the woman in the next office, take a look at things women leaders tell us are absolute no-no’s in the workplace. 1. Terms of “endearment” such as “sweetie,” “hon” or “cutie.” This is when a term of endearment becomes…
'Why Don't You Wear Your Hair Natural' and Other Things NOT to Say to Blacks
By Carolynn Johnson Johnson, Casey “You don’t seem Black,” “You speak so well” and “You just lost your Black card” are all things that, unfortunately, are said to me on a regular basis. Can you believe that these comments are made in professional settings Believe itand the sad fact of…
Things NOT to Say to American Indian Coworkers
If you asked Rick Waters, National Director of Tribal Partnerships for the University of Phoenix, how he classifies himself, he’d say, “I am Cherokee American Indian.” If you asked the same question of Reverend John Norwood, Tribal Council member and Principal Justice for the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, he’d say…
SLIDESHOW: Things NOT to Say to LGBT Coworkers
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7 Things NOT to Say to Asian-Americans
By Stacy Straczynski Confronting subconscious biases and stereotypes about race is a frequent occurrence for many professionals in the workplace—in particular, those from traditionally underrepresented groups. While many comments and questions are raised merely out of curiosity or ignorance, it doesn’t lessen the offense. “Stereotypes make people feel like they…