When you meet someone, what are some of your initial assumptions? Do these assumptions impact the way you interact with them? Our brains naturally place people into larger groups or categories. These assumptions are helpful to some, yet harmful to others. In business, subtle biases can become major roadblocks to fair and inclusive diversity practices. We gravitate toward certain types of people, or simply forget to acknowledge others. As women of color, these biases create challenges that may include racial and gender stereotypes that cause our contributions to be ignored or diminished. How do we become examples of fair and inclusive practices? How do we challenge our culture to move toward greater levels of awareness? Studies have shown that men become less bias toward women when they discuss needs and are forced to challenge assumptions. This seminar will challenge your personal biases and address ways to engage in conversations that test faulty thinking and increase cultural awareness. At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: a. Define unconscious and subtle bias. b. Identify personal biases and behaviors that support faulty cultural norms. c. Explore specific ways that race and gender impact achievement. d. Discuss communication strategies to encourage productive conversations. e. Examine behaviors and cultural practices that create diversity challenges.

1. LIQUIDATE THE POWER
OF RELATIONSHIPS:
Building Successful Strategic
Partnerships

2. Objectives
• To understand the approach to
relationship building
• To adopt relationship building
practices of successful leaders
• To proactively develop strategic
relationships

3. Build where you are
• Build organically
• Connect with peers
• Establish personal
rapports

4. Ways to build
• Mentorship /
Apprenticeship
• Developmental
Opportunities and
Training
• Social settings (off-
hours)
• Add value / Deliver
Results

5. Categories of Relationships
Clients (past, current,
potential)
Company leaders (C-suite,
Senior level managers,
etc.)
Advisors and Mentors Counselees and Mentees
Peer level staff Mid-level staff
Cross-functional staff Internal staff and service
staff
Professional affiliations Colleagues at similar
firms/businesses

6. Successful relationship builders…
• Build rapports
• Are authentic
• LISTEN!
• Bring value
• Have integrity

7. Questions?