Last Friday the leaders of ES gathered in the Sty-wet-tan Great Hall in the First Nations Longhouse for the semi-annual leadership retreat centered around the theme of inclusion. Inclusion is a valued discussion in ES both for the way our work impacts the lives of students and how we work with each other to make the workplace an inclusive experience for all.
ES leadership participated in the KAIROS Blanket Exercise in the morning session led by Elders Janet and Kathy of Katzie First Nation.
“During the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, participants walk on blankets representing the land and into the role of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples by reading scrolls and carrying cards which ultimately determine their outcome as they literally ‘walk’ through situations that include pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization and resistance (1).”
The group left with a deep and lasting experience that brought the history and current culture of colonization into sharp focus. After the session, the team debriefed on how their insights and deepened perspective can be brought into their work and roles at ES.
In the afternoon, Rachael Sullivan, of the Equity & Inclusion Office, led discussion on the meaning of identity and intersectionality when understanding the importance of taking another’s perspective.
“Intersectionality, describes the complex, cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine, overlap, or intersect especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups (2).”
Using the ODIS framework (see below), participants broke out into cross functional teams to discuss realistic case studies based on the work we do in ES. The case studies explored and challenged our norms and ways of working.
Your manager would be happy to share their experience of the retreat if you’re interested or have questions!
In the coming weeks, we’ll provide further information and resources about the retreat on the ES Wiki. We’ll share the link when it’s ready. Until then, here is a resource that was shared at the retreat.
Observe (O), Describe (D), Interpret (I), Suspend Judgment (S)
Communication skills are our ability to interact appropriately, effectively, and satisfactorily in any given situation. Effective communication involves mindful observation, which consists of a holistic O-D-I-S analysis.
Observe: This happens once you realize something is “up” or “off” about the situation. There is usually an internal reaction, a slipping to judgment or annoyance, when you are faced with a reaction, response, behavior that is not what you are expecting. At this point, step back and notice. Catch yourself before the judgment clouds your ability to see other possibilities.
Describe: Describe what you see happening. Notice the full context (i.e. physical setting, timing, people, relationships, etc…) of the situation. Stay neutral and objective. Only factual, non-debatable descriptions are permitted at this point. Suspend any opinion or judgment.
Interpretation: Consider all the possible perspectives that could help to explain what is happening. Challenge yourself to think beyond your own world view. Suspend certainty for what makes sense to you and expand your thinking to include how others might look at the same situation through their own lenses.
Suspend judgment: How does this situation make sense from another world view?
(1)https://www.kairosblanketexercise.org/about/
(2)https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersectionality