Blog

Our DEI blog features varying viewpoints on inclusion, leadership, social psychology, design thinking and more.
Collage of articles representing our DEI blog

Latest Posts

A red stop sign reading, "STOP treating accessibility like a special request." Below, text explains that understanding the difference between Accommodation and Access shifts us from a "compliance" to a "culture" mindset.
Access & Inclusivity

Access vs. Accommodation

Stop treating accessibility like a special request. There is a fundamental difference between Accommodation and Access, and understanding it is the key to moving from

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Graphic reading: "If anyone on my team were really disabled, I would know... right?" followed by a white X. Text below: "If your disability compliance training treats disability as an unlikely or highly apparent occurrence, it's missing the mark."
Access & Inclusivity

Training About Non-Apparent Disabilities

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Training-About-Non-Apparent-Disabilities.mp4 “If anyone on my team were really disabled, I would know… right?” If your disability compliance training treats disability as an unlikely or highly

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Pink and blue graphic with title "World Autism Awareness Day" in a circle surrounding a ribbon that has puzzle pieces on it.
Access & Inclusivity

World Autism Awareness Day

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/World-Autism-Awareness-Day.mp4 In Ontario, 44% of Autistic children have a parent who is excluded from the workforce. That isn’t a personal choice—it’s a systemic failure. Today

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A graphic with a teal and pink gradient background features a teal banner at the top reading "CLOSING THE INFLUENCE GAP". Below, two overlapping speech bubbles are shown, with the front white bubble containing the text "Are you really asking for feedback?" in pink.
Making Space for Mental Health

Are you really asking for feedback?

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Are-you-really-asking-for-feedback.mp4 Having influence over decisions in the workplace is a key driver of mental health. On the flip side, when employees are excluded from decisions

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Neuroinclusive Leadership

An infographic that presents a common myth. At the top, an orange banner with a white "X" reads "MYTH". Below the banner, the text says, "Neurodivergent means autistic." Under the text is a stylized icon of a brain colored in a rainbow gradient, representing the spectrum of neurodiversity.

Myth: Neurodivergent Means Autistic

❌ Myth: Neurodivergent means autistic. ✅ Fact: Neurodivergence encompasses any differences in neurological development or functioning that diverge from the “typical.” This can include dyslexic

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Difficult Conversations

A "Myth" infographic on a pink background patterned with bandages. The text reads: "Myth: Rip Off the Band-Aid. The best way to handle a difficult conversation is to 'rip off the Band-Aid' and get it over with." An illustration of two crossed bandages is in the corner.

Myth: Rip Off the Band-Aid

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MYTH-Rip-Off-the-Band-Aid.mp4 ❌ Myth: Rip Off the Band-Aid The best way to handle a difficult conversation is to “rip off the Band-Aid” and get it over

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A graphic with a magenta background covered in light pink question marks. An orange banner at the top reads, "WHAT WOULD YOU DO?". Below it, a white box contains the question in pink text: "Discuss things now or wait until after the conference?" The words "now or wait" are highlighted in orange.

What Would You Do?

Your two high performers are openly undermining each other in meetings and pulling colleagues into factions. You need to address this dynamic, but they’re both

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A "Myth vs. Reality" graphic. Myth: Listening = Agreeing. Reality: Listening to fully understand the other person opens the door to solutions. The graphic includes an illustration of an open door to symbolize finding solutions.

Myth: Listening = Agreeing

❌ Myth: Listening = Agreeing Listening without correcting the person means you agree with them. ✅ Reality: Listening without correcting the other person helps you

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Orange background with title "People want more feedback" closeup of a man at the bottom.

People Want More Feedback

Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman analyzed the responses of 2,700 respondents to a Harvard Business Review survey. What they found is that virtually every employee

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A blue graphic with the title "Effective communication supports employee engagement" supports is underlined.

Effective Communication Supports Employee Engagement

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Effective-communication-supports-employee-engagement.mp4 Effective communication has been consistently shown to enhance employee engagement by fostering a supportive and transparent work environment (Men, et al., 2020). A big

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A "Myth" infographic on a red background patterned with yellow smiley faces. A central black box identifies the myth: "GOOD = FEELS GOOD," with a scribbled smiley icon. The text below reads, "A successful difficult conversation ends with everyone feeling good."

Myth: Good = Feels Good

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/myth-good-equals-feels-good.mp4 ❌ Myth: Good = Feels Good A successful difficult conversation ends with everyone feeling good. ✅ Reality: Sometimes, the best outcome is clarity, not

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Orange infographic listing the 5 Keys to Difficult Conversation. Read the post to learn these keys.

5 Keys to Difficult Conversations

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/5-keys-to-difficult-conversations.mp4 Every leader faces tough conversations about performance, behaviour, or workplace conflict. Conversations about these issues are not one-off events – they’re a continuous process

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Psychological Safety

EASY FIRST STEP: Model Vulnerability.

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Easy-First-Step-Model-Vulnerability.mp4 Showing you’re human makes it safe for others to do the same. Say: “I don’t have all the answers” or “I made a mistake

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An infographic with a pink to orange gradient background with the title: MYTH Psychological safety is in opposition to accountability.

Myth: Psychological Safety is in Opposition to Accountability

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MYTH-Psychological-safety-is-in-opposition-to-accountability.mp4 ❌ MYTH: Psychological safety is in opposition to accountability. ✅ REALITY: Accountability is ‘psychological ownership’ which is dignifying and allows people to ‘own’ their

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An infographic with the text "Easy First Step" in a pink circle. Below, a speech bubble says, "Thank People for Speaking Up." The graphic has a purple background with icons of a pointing hand and clapping hands.

EASY FIRST STEP: Thank People for Speaking Up

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Easy-First-Step-Thank-people-for-speaking-up.mp4 Thanking people for speaking up reinforces that raising issues is welcome, not risky. Even if you disagree, say: “I appreciate you bringing that up.”

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An infographic with the text "Easy First Step" in a pink circle. Below, two speech bubbles read: "Invite Input." and "Then Listen." The graphic includes an icon of a pointing hand and a soundwave.

EASY FIRST STEP: Invite Input, Then Listen

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Easy-First-Step-Listen.mp4 Signal that input is expected, not extra. Ask: “What’s your take?” or “What concerns do you see here?” Learning Snippets help you learn and

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An infographic with the text "Easy First Step" in a pink circle. Below, a speech bubble says, "Normalize Asking Questions." The graphic has an orange and pink background with icons of a pointing hand and question marks.

EASY FIRST STEP: Normalize Asking Questions

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Easy-First-Step-Normalize-Asking-Questions-1080×1080-1.mp4 Reward curiosity, not just confidence. Say: “That’s a great question, thanks for raising it.” Learning Snippets help you learn and apply soft skills. Learn

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Orange and pink infographic with title "Exploring the SCARF Model" Icon of gear lightbulb and magnifying glass.

Exploring the SCARF Model

Previous Next How can I make my workplace psychologically safe? One way to understand what supports or threatens psychological safety is through the SCARF model,

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Access & Inclusivity

A red stop sign reading, "STOP treating accessibility like a special request." Below, text explains that understanding the difference between Accommodation and Access shifts us from a "compliance" to a "culture" mindset.

Access vs. Accommodation

Stop treating accessibility like a special request. There is a fundamental difference between Accommodation and Access, and understanding it is the key to moving from

Read More »
Graphic reading: "If anyone on my team were really disabled, I would know... right?" followed by a white X. Text below: "If your disability compliance training treats disability as an unlikely or highly apparent occurrence, it's missing the mark."

Training About Non-Apparent Disabilities

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Training-About-Non-Apparent-Disabilities.mp4 “If anyone on my team were really disabled, I would know… right?” If your disability compliance training treats disability as an unlikely or highly

Read More »
Pink and blue graphic with title "World Autism Awareness Day" in a circle surrounding a ribbon that has puzzle pieces on it.

World Autism Awareness Day

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/World-Autism-Awareness-Day.mp4 In Ontario, 44% of Autistic children have a parent who is excluded from the workforce. That isn’t a personal choice—it’s a systemic failure. Today

Read More »
A graphic with teal and cream abstract background shapes. A white outline of a hand points toward a large pink circle containing the text "Easy First Step" surrounded by sparkles. Below, an orange button reads "Listen" next to a faint line drawing of an ear with soundwaves.

Easy First Step – Listen

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Easy-First-Step-Listen.mp4 The most powerful tool in your anti-racism toolkit? Your ears. We often rush to “fix” problems or defend our intentions. Instead, practice Radical Listening:

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A graphic asking, "WHY DOES MOST TRAINING FAIL TO CHANGE BEHAVIOR?" The phrase "CHANGE BEHAVIOR?" is circled in black with an "X" mark. Below, a man in a white shirt shrugs with confusion.

Why does most training fail to change behavior?

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Forgetting-Curve.mp4 Because of the “Forgetting Curve.” Research shows that 60 minutes after a training session, participants have forgotten 60% of the lesson.  To build real

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A graphic with a red and pink gradient background shows the back of a person with long braids. White text reads: "What does the data actually say about the Black experience in the workplace?" followed by "Learn more in the post."

The Reality of the Black Experience at Work

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/the-Black-Experience-at-Work.mp4 What does the data actually say about the Black experience in the workplace? We need to actively work to close these gaps.👇 → The

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A video still of Rochelle Ramathe, a Black woman in a blue top, speaking about mentorship vs. sponsorship on the Just One Q podcast.

Are you mentoring when you should be sponsoring?

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Power-of-Allies-in-Workplace-Advancement_square.mp4 There is a critical difference. A Mentor gives advice and guidance. A Sponsor uses their political capital and power to advocate for you in

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A graphic titled "What is Allyship?" Large red text reads "Allyship isn't a badge you wear, it's an action." A footer on a red wavy background reads "It's not about who you are, but what you do."

What is Allyship?

A Deloitte study found 90% of people identified as allies, yet a significant disconnect remains between intent and action. True allyship is a lifelong process

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Video still: Myth: "'Civility' is the new 'Inclusion'". Reality: "Civility doesn't bridge divides or build belonging. It just helps people coexist politely." The graphic includes a photo of a woman in a business suit.

Myth: “Civility” is the new “Inclusion”

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Myth-Civility-is-the-new-Inclusion.mp4 ❌ Myth: “Civility” is the new “Inclusion” ✅ Reality: Civility doesn’t bridge divides or build belonging. It just helps people coexist politely. Why does

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Diverse coworkers chatting at work party

Yes, Let’s Celebrate

“Should my workplace plan holiday festivities?”  It’s been a particularly challenging time for so many people as we individually and collectively grieve unfolding hostilities and

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E-Learning

An infographic titled "WHY LEARNING SNIPPETS?" It states they have high engagement rates, and that "Learners who start a program FINISH 90% of it, on average." It also mentions enthusiastic learner feedback.

Why Learning Snippets?

1) Learning Snippets have exceptionally high engagement rates.  Learners who start a program finish 90% of it, on average. These engagement metrics are paired with

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Inclusive Leadership

How Do I Retain a DEI Team?

The key is strong leadership and a workplace culture that authentically and actively promotes diversity and inclusion. Womxn, LGBTQ+ employees and employees of colour are

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Making Space for Mental Health

A graphic with a teal and pink gradient background features a teal banner at the top reading "CLOSING THE INFLUENCE GAP". Below, two overlapping speech bubbles are shown, with the front white bubble containing the text "Are you really asking for feedback?" in pink.

Are you really asking for feedback?

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Are-you-really-asking-for-feedback.mp4 Having influence over decisions in the workplace is a key driver of mental health. On the flip side, when employees are excluded from decisions

Read More »
A graphic with a teal and pink gradient overlay features a faintly visible background image of a group of office workers smiling and clapping. Large white text reads: "Who gets the glory in your organization?"

Who gets the glory in your organization?

https://dialectic.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Who-gets-the-glory.mp4 Success in our organizations often centers on the “closers” – the high-status roles who handle the big client presentations. But what about the “invisible

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Knowledge Mobilization (KMb)

Sexual Expression & Gender Identity​

Offsetting Racial Biases

The Science Behind Snippets

Humans forget about half of the information they’re taught within an hour of having learned it. Learning Snippets was created with this forgetting curve in

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Try Learning Snippets FREE

See how easy it is to activate soft skills in your organization. Soft skills training on 3 key topics: Leadership, Belonging and Collaboration.