WEBVTT 00:01:03.370 --> 00:01:06.913 I've got this guy I play this game with. He offers me a price, 00:01:06.914 --> 00:01:09.200 then I Jew him down a bit, then we come to an agreement. 00:01:09.201 --> 00:01:11.772 What do you call a white man surrounded by 5000 black men? 00:01:13.427 --> 00:01:14.941 Great. What? 00:01:14.941 --> 00:01:18.800 Come on, you know how important this project is and we get stuck with them? 00:01:18.800 --> 00:01:24.480 (Spanish) 00:01:24.480 --> 00:01:26.828 So, I got in early this morning and there was this black guy 00:01:26.828 --> 00:01:29.142 standing in the lobby. It was very scary. 00:01:29.142 --> 00:01:31.514 Well, he must not have had the right qualifications. 00:01:31.515 --> 00:01:33.829 Yeah, he doesn't look nearly as good in a skirt. 00:01:46.909 --> 00:01:49.827 You know, some days one of the biggest challenges I face 00:01:49.828 --> 00:01:52.880 is finding ways to deal with some of the people I work with. 00:01:53.399 --> 00:01:54.741 I mean, think about it. 00:01:54.742 --> 00:01:57.485 Our co-workers come in all sorts of different shapes, 00:01:57.486 --> 00:02:01.286 sizes, ages, creeds, and colors. 00:02:01.541 --> 00:02:05.313 And yet, we all pretty much expect people to see things the same way we do. 00:02:05.372 --> 00:02:09.071 And when they don't, we get frustrated, we get angry, 00:02:09.080 --> 00:02:11.314 or we just get fed up and walk away. 00:02:11.770 --> 00:02:14.628 All of which gets us absolutely nowhere. 00:02:14.999 --> 00:02:18.056 Because, let's face it, in order to get anything thing done 00:02:18.057 --> 00:02:22.542 we've got to be able to respect each other's differences and work together. 00:02:22.542 --> 00:02:27.028 And the best way I've found to help ensure we respect our differences is to... 00:02:27.200 --> 00:02:29.770 Make time to discuss the situation. 00:02:29.910 --> 00:02:32.371 Explore and acknowledge our differences. 00:02:32.740 --> 00:02:35.228 Encourage respect for each other's perspectives. 00:02:35.485 --> 00:02:38.085 And take responsibility for our part 00:02:38.086 --> 00:02:40.658 and be willing to change our behavior, if necessary. 00:02:41.050 --> 00:02:44.942 In other words, find a way to meet on common ground. 00:02:45.314 --> 00:02:49.114 For me, that's what it takes to have a respectful workplace. 00:02:49.285 --> 00:02:53.140 It also helps resolve a potential problem before it becomes a big issue. 00:02:53.800 --> 00:02:58.171 It's a pretty straightforward approach – but believe me, it isn't always easy. 00:03:06.571 --> 00:03:09.628 Look, I've got this guy I play this game with. 00:03:09.914 --> 00:03:13.714 He offers me a price, then I Jew him down a bit, then we come to an agreement. 00:03:14.828 --> 00:03:16.600 Yeah, yeah, I'll give him a call. 00:03:17.314 --> 00:03:20.542 Quality? No everything I've heard, his product is good. 00:03:21.500 --> 00:03:25.085 Yes, I will call you back, okay? All right. 00:03:26.456 --> 00:03:28.056 Hey Dave! Yeah? 00:03:28.057 --> 00:03:30.714 The Hayes account... Tom's vendor can't get the materials. 00:03:30.715 --> 00:03:33.991 I was thinking of calling that guy across town - Reese? 00:03:33.999 --> 00:03:36.541 Reese? Oh, yeah, yeah, he's got good stuff. 00:03:36.571 --> 00:03:39.430 He's a little expensive though, but um, he delivers on time. 00:03:39.432 --> 00:03:42.249 That's what I wanted to hear. You know, I think I'll give him a call 00:03:42.250 --> 00:03:44.714 and try to Jew him down on the price a bit. 00:03:45.428 --> 00:03:46.714 What'd you just say? 00:03:47.569 --> 00:03:50.827 I said I'd call him up, negotiate with him and try to Jew him down on the price. 00:03:50.828 --> 00:03:53.400 Yeah, yeah, Rich. You know... I'm Jewish. 00:03:54.120 --> 00:03:57.742 Aren't you Catholic? Why don't you try to Catholic him down a bit? 00:03:58.400 --> 00:04:00.790 Hey man, lighten up. It's just an expression. 00:04:00.791 --> 00:04:04.060 Look, if it happened just once, it probably wouldn't bother me. 00:04:04.060 --> 00:04:06.428 It's not the first time I've ever heard that. 00:04:06.429 --> 00:04:08.972 But it's one thing when it's coming from a stranger on the street 00:04:09.313 --> 00:04:12.009 and another when it's coming from a guy you work with everyday. 00:04:12.010 --> 00:04:14.771 Yeah, well, it's an expression I'd like you to stop using. 00:04:15.520 --> 00:04:16.514 Forget it, all right? 00:04:17.239 --> 00:04:20.909 Rich, as your coworker, I'd like you to stop using it. 00:04:20.910 --> 00:04:22.719 It's an insulting expression. 00:04:22.720 --> 00:04:26.171 Listen, it's a free country and I'll say whatever I want. 00:04:38.459 --> 00:04:42.469 When we have to let a co-worker – maybe someone we've worked with for years 00:04:42.470 --> 00:04:46.828 know that he or she has said something that's causing a lot of friction 00:04:47.085 --> 00:04:50.885 it can be a real challenge because it's easy to fall into sarcasm. 00:04:51.360 --> 00:04:53.019 That's why we have to stay focused 00:04:53.020 --> 00:04:56.285 on finding a way to maintain respect in the workplace. 00:04:56.542 --> 00:04:59.485 One of the things I try to do in a situation like that 00:04:59.741 --> 00:05:04.284 is to take the time to help a co-worker understand why we need to change 00:05:04.285 --> 00:05:06.600 or look at something in a different way. 00:05:07.056 --> 00:05:09.484 Sure, it might take a few extra minutes, 00:05:09.485 --> 00:05:13.714 but if everybody ends up getting along better - it makes it all worth it. 00:05:13.742 --> 00:05:16.000 Look, I've got this guy I play this game with. 00:05:16.457 --> 00:05:20.228 He offers me a price, then I Jew him down a bit, then we come to an agreement. 00:05:21.428 --> 00:05:23.000 Yeah, yeah, I'll give him a call. 00:05:23.971 --> 00:05:27.114 Quality? No everything I've heard, his product is good. 00:05:27.971 --> 00:05:30.085 Yes, I will call you back, okay? 00:05:31.857 --> 00:05:33.342 Rich, hang on a minute. 00:05:33.857 --> 00:05:34.542 What? 00:05:34.913 --> 00:05:38.656 Well, I'm sure you don't realize this, but that's a highly offensive term. 00:05:38.657 --> 00:05:39.600 What is? 00:05:39.601 --> 00:05:40.943 Jew him down. 00:05:41.341 --> 00:05:42.941 It's just an expression, all right? 00:05:42.942 --> 00:05:45.438 I know. I used to say it, too. 00:05:45.439 --> 00:05:46.509 What's the problem? 00:05:46.510 --> 00:05:49.359 Well, the problem is I hurt somebody very close to me 00:05:49.360 --> 00:05:52.119 and I nearly destroyed a yearlong friendship because of it. 00:05:52.371 --> 00:05:54.314 Meredith, thanks. 00:05:54.870 --> 00:05:58.514 Come on guys, do we have to be so politically correct all the time? 00:05:59.020 --> 00:06:01.269 I mean, I've heard you use the term Mexican standoff 00:06:01.270 --> 00:06:03.800 and I don't get all bent out of shape and I'm part Hispanic. 00:06:04.113 --> 00:06:06.179 I mean the next thing you know you're going to be giving me grief 00:06:06.180 --> 00:06:08.371 because I said blackmail or whitewash. 00:06:08.800 --> 00:06:11.742 Look, do you realize where this expression comes from? 00:06:12.439 --> 00:06:15.656 It's because people for years accused the Jews of money mongering 00:06:15.657 --> 00:06:18.342 and they've suffered a lot because of it. 00:06:18.343 --> 00:06:20.972 Actually, the truth is we're quite a charitable culture. 00:06:21.649 --> 00:06:23.113 Come on guys! 00:06:23.143 --> 00:06:26.086 Yeah, I was ticked off. It was ridiculous. 00:06:26.749 --> 00:06:28.313 It's like you can't say anything anymore 00:06:28.314 --> 00:06:30.780 without the PC Police crawling all over you. 00:06:30.790 --> 00:06:33.109 I know, I know you think it's a harmless expression 00:06:33.110 --> 00:06:35.314 and I'm sure you don't mean any harm by it. 00:06:35.860 --> 00:06:40.057 But that's the kind of statement that just perpetuates prejudice. 00:06:40.750 --> 00:06:42.857 What if I said chew him down? 00:06:44.391 --> 00:06:48.129 Rich, I'm sure we can find a term to describe negotiating 00:06:48.130 --> 00:06:50.114 without insulting an entire culture. 00:06:50.720 --> 00:06:52.371 It really bothered you that much? 00:06:53.314 --> 00:06:54.914 Actually, it does. 00:06:56.257 --> 00:06:59.028 All right, all right, all right. I was wrong. I'm sorry. 00:06:59.827 --> 00:07:00.656 No problem. 00:07:00.657 --> 00:07:05.090 Listen, we've all done things like this before and the important thing is 00:07:05.099 --> 00:07:07.438 that we're willing to learn and to change. 00:07:07.439 --> 00:07:10.768 And it starts by telling each other when we hear something 00:07:10.769 --> 00:07:12.500 that doesn't quite sit right. 00:07:14.060 --> 00:07:18.200 Well, I suppose this was a good thing – even though I felt really uncomfortable. 00:07:19.114 --> 00:07:23.320 And look guys, I want you to keep helping me out. Okay? 00:07:23.329 --> 00:07:24.227 Sounds good to me. 00:07:24.228 --> 00:07:28.428 Well, I hate to start so soon, Rich... but, I'm not a guy. 00:07:44.228 --> 00:07:46.171 Wait a minute. I've got one. 00:07:46.600 --> 00:07:50.914 Did you hear about the brother who wanted to open up a luxury car dealership in Watts? 00:07:52.457 --> 00:07:57.720 Hold on, what about the one who wanted to open up a Japanese restaurant in Harlem? 00:08:00.334 --> 00:08:02.049 Wait a minute, I got one for you. 00:08:02.050 --> 00:08:04.942 What do you call a white man surrounded by five black men? 00:08:06.142 --> 00:08:09.285 What do you call a white man surrounded by 5000 black men? 00:08:10.200 --> 00:08:14.771 Hey guys, if we were telling jokes like that we'd be in big trouble. 00:08:16.457 --> 00:08:17.457 See you later. 00:08:29.600 --> 00:08:33.685 You know, another thing I've run into that can do some serious damage is jokes. 00:08:33.971 --> 00:08:38.410 Sometimes we may think it's okay for us to make jokes about our own culture. 00:08:38.419 --> 00:08:42.849 But it wouldn't be okay for somebody outside our group to make those same jokes. 00:08:43.399 --> 00:08:47.958 In addition, some kinds of jokes may be illegal or a violation of policy. 00:08:48.599 --> 00:08:51.769 For example, if racial jokes are prohibited, 00:08:51.770 --> 00:08:53.971 it doesn't make any difference who's telling them. 00:08:54.459 --> 00:08:57.148 In any case, when it comes to jokes, 00:08:57.149 --> 00:09:00.999 I think it's important to take a step back and try to help everyone involved 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:04.057 understand the impact we're having on the people around us. 00:09:04.058 --> 00:09:08.711 Hey guys, you know if we were telling jokes like that we'd be in big trouble. 00:09:09.628 --> 00:09:10.457 See you later. 00:09:11.341 --> 00:09:12.341 Wait, I got another one. 00:09:12.342 --> 00:09:15.800 Hold on. Did you hear what he said? 00:09:16.228 --> 00:09:17.085 Yeah. So? 00:09:17.279 --> 00:09:19.399 He's got a point. I mean... 00:09:19.400 --> 00:09:22.570 We probably shouldn't be saying things we wouldn't want to hear other people say. 00:09:22.571 --> 00:09:23.914 Give me a break, man. It's just jokes. 00:09:23.915 --> 00:09:27.251 I know. But that's got to make other people feel uncomfortable. 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:31.057 You know, I never really thought about it like that, to tell you the truth. 00:09:31.628 --> 00:09:36.000 But I thought, what if they were saying those same jokes in front of us? 00:09:37.028 --> 00:09:39.971 It's kind of like saying - you have to play by the rules... but we don't. 00:09:40.142 --> 00:09:42.030 Listen, I'm just as guilty as anybody. 00:09:42.713 --> 00:09:46.741 But it'd probably be a good idea if... you know... 00:09:46.742 --> 00:09:48.400 We stop with the jokes? 00:09:48.401 --> 00:09:50.486 Listen, we know we don't mean anything by it. 00:09:51.514 --> 00:09:54.742 But they don't know that. You know what I'm saying? 00:09:55.514 --> 00:09:56.742 I guess you're right. 00:10:09.200 --> 00:10:12.970 Well, I'd like to thank everybody for taking a minute to get acquainted. 00:10:12.979 --> 00:10:17.159 I realize this is a new team, but frankly, nobody is going to cut us any slack 00:10:17.160 --> 00:10:21.228 on this project so we can't screw up, okay? 00:10:21.514 --> 00:10:23.240 I'll set our first meeting for next week. 00:10:23.250 --> 00:10:24.589 That's fine with me. 00:10:24.885 --> 00:10:26.240 Sounds good. See you then. 00:10:26.250 --> 00:10:27.028 Thanks again. 00:10:28.999 --> 00:10:31.056 Oh, this is just great. 00:10:31.056 --> 00:10:31.910 What? 00:10:31.910 --> 00:10:34.300 Come on. You know how important this project is. 00:10:34.319 --> 00:10:35.628 And we get stuck with them? 00:10:35.628 --> 00:10:38.310 Stuck? We haven't worked with either one of them before. 00:10:38.310 --> 00:10:41.657 Yeah, but I already know this is a disaster waiting to happen. 00:10:41.658 --> 00:10:44.943 Eunice has been here since before they installed indoor plumbing. 00:10:45.257 --> 00:10:48.714 And little Jason can't know much of anything besides how to work a video game. 00:10:48.942 --> 00:10:50.742 What good do you think they're going to do us? 00:11:03.657 --> 00:11:07.650 You know, it's amazing how fast we make assumptions about people 00:11:07.660 --> 00:11:10.314 based on their age or what they look like. 00:11:10.580 --> 00:11:14.314 When our assumptions get in the way of our ability to learn from other people, 00:11:14.560 --> 00:11:16.942 everyone involved ends up missing out. 00:11:17.171 --> 00:11:20.085 Productivity suffers. Trust is destroyed. 00:11:20.310 --> 00:11:22.257 We lose a lot of opportunities. 00:11:22.885 --> 00:11:26.530 So, my advice is – try to deal with it as soon as possible 00:11:26.531 --> 00:11:30.349 by helping others understand the value of questioning assumptions. 00:11:30.350 --> 00:11:32.571 This is a disaster waiting to happen. 00:11:32.572 --> 00:11:35.658 Eunice has been here since before they installed indoor plumbing. 00:11:36.027 --> 00:11:39.684 And little Jason can't know much of anything besides how to work a video game. 00:11:39.685 --> 00:11:41.428 What good do you think they're going to do us? 00:11:41.914 --> 00:11:44.120 Do you really think it could be as bad as all that? 00:11:44.129 --> 00:11:47.999 Yeah, I do. If this were just some normal project, that would be one thing. 00:11:48.000 --> 00:11:51.400 But if we don't pull this off right... I don't even want to think about it. 00:11:52.228 --> 00:11:54.114 I'm not sure I feel the same way. 00:11:54.669 --> 00:11:55.656 You're kidding? 00:11:55.657 --> 00:11:58.380 Having Eunice and Jason on the team could be an asset 00:11:58.381 --> 00:12:00.601 if we give them the opportunity. 00:12:00.885 --> 00:12:02.028 Are you nuts? 00:12:03.200 --> 00:12:06.114 What does Eunice know about inventory management software? 00:12:06.539 --> 00:12:07.339 I don't know. 00:12:07.340 --> 00:12:11.314 And you can't tell me Jason knows the first thing about negotiating with suppliers. 00:12:11.315 --> 00:12:12.341 Maybe not. 00:12:12.349 --> 00:12:14.056 Right. Maybe not. 00:12:14.057 --> 00:12:15.571 But we don't know that. Do we? 00:12:16.856 --> 00:12:19.788 Tina, believe me, I understand where you're coming from. 00:12:19.789 --> 00:12:21.648 I'm just as nervous about this as you are. 00:12:21.649 --> 00:12:23.379 Really? Could have fooled me. 00:12:23.380 --> 00:12:25.857 But there was a reason they were assigned to the team. 00:12:27.310 --> 00:12:30.179 They've got something to contribute and we could be missing something 00:12:30.180 --> 00:12:32.857 if we go in making assumptions that are way off base. 00:12:34.171 --> 00:12:36.490 What if they've got some new perspective 00:12:36.499 --> 00:12:38.438 that could help us find a much better solution? 00:12:38.439 --> 00:12:42.288 I understood her concern, because frankly, the exact same thing 00:12:42.288 --> 00:12:44.770 crossed my mind when Eunice and Jason walked into the room. 00:12:44.771 --> 00:12:47.343 It was like some instinctive gut reaction. 00:12:48.080 --> 00:12:49.971 But then I thought to myself, now wait a minute... 00:12:50.371 --> 00:12:53.600 if we go into this assuming that they're going to be dead weight, 00:12:54.330 --> 00:12:57.529 then not only are they going to become angry and frustrated with us 00:12:57.530 --> 00:13:00.000 for shutting them down, but hey, we might be 00:13:00.399 --> 00:13:02.084 missing a chance for a real breakthrough. 00:13:02.084 --> 00:13:03.409 Listen, what's your point? 00:13:03.410 --> 00:13:05.942 My point is, I think we should keep an open mind. 00:13:06.220 --> 00:13:08.342 They've got skills they can use to contribute. 00:13:09.470 --> 00:13:12.857 I think we owe it to them to try to learn from them and help them learn from us. 00:13:13.223 --> 00:13:14.309 I don't know. 00:13:14.310 --> 00:13:18.285 Hey listen, I'm not sure. All I'm saying is let's give it a try. Okay? 00:13:19.200 --> 00:13:20.742 Yeah. Okay. 00:13:34.999 --> 00:13:37.913 All right, it sounds like a plan. Can you make that meeting? 00:13:37.913 --> 00:13:40.020 Yeah, sure, I just have to talk to Bill and then I'll be there. 00:13:40.020 --> 00:13:40.971 All right. 00:13:40.972 --> 00:13:43.686 I need to move a couple of things around. But it shouldn't be a problem. 00:13:44.370 --> 00:13:45.056 Joe? 00:13:45.057 --> 00:13:52.085 (Spanish) 00:13:52.086 --> 00:13:54.086 Joe? Joe? 00:13:55.142 --> 00:13:57.628 What? Oh, I'm sorry. Yeah, I can make it. 00:13:58.799 --> 00:14:02.399 (Spanish) 00:14:02.400 --> 00:14:03.657 Great, fine. 00:14:15.428 --> 00:14:19.190 As somebody who speaks another language, other than English, 00:14:19.191 --> 00:14:23.309 one of the things I wrestle with a lot is how do people who share a language 00:14:23.310 --> 00:14:28.571 interact without making co-workers who don't know the language feel uncomfortable? 00:14:29.109 --> 00:14:32.139 I know there are court decisions that say you can't keep employees 00:14:32.140 --> 00:14:36.400 from speaking other languages – except when there are clear job related reasons. 00:14:37.027 --> 00:14:41.713 But, I guess for me, it comes down to this... If we're going to be productive, 00:14:41.714 --> 00:14:45.240 we've got to figure out a way, the best way, to work together. 00:14:45.241 --> 00:14:48.630 And sometimes that means reminding each other that if we're doing something 00:14:48.630 --> 00:14:52.342 that excludes somebody - it makes it tough to work as a team. 00:14:52.342 --> 00:14:53.020 Joe? 00:14:53.020 --> 00:15:00.000 (Spanish) 00:15:00.001 --> 00:15:02.001 Joe? Joe? 00:15:03.000 --> 00:15:05.714 What? Oh, I'm sorry. Yeah, I can make it. 00:15:06.652 --> 00:15:10.309 (Spanish) 00:15:10.310 --> 00:15:12.400 Great, fine, let's go. 00:15:14.713 --> 00:15:16.599 Hey, Joe. Can we talk? 00:15:16.600 --> 00:15:17.885 Sure. What's up? 00:15:17.885 --> 00:15:19.885 What were you and Rosa just laughing at? 00:15:19.885 --> 00:15:20.885 Nothing. 00:15:20.885 --> 00:15:24.085 It wasn't us, was it? Because you were looking right at us when you laughed. 00:15:24.143 --> 00:15:27.572 No, no, no. We were talking about having to help a friend move, that's all. 00:15:28.171 --> 00:15:31.714 Listen, you want to be treated with respect, right? 00:15:32.099 --> 00:15:33.489 Yeah, sure. 00:15:33.490 --> 00:15:36.200 Because something just happened here that I don't know if you're aware of. 00:15:36.800 --> 00:15:38.140 What are you talking about? 00:15:38.670 --> 00:15:41.299 Well, I know you and Rosa are good friends. 00:15:41.299 --> 00:15:44.300 But, in addition to making us feel uncomfortable, 00:15:44.301 --> 00:15:47.401 it seemed like you just ignored everybody in here who didn't speak Spanish. 00:15:47.884 --> 00:15:49.779 First, I wasn't ignoring anybody. 00:15:49.829 --> 00:15:52.572 Second, there's nothing wrong with being bi-lingual. 00:15:52.914 --> 00:15:56.714 And third, I'm just kind of tired of having to be the guy that always has to change. 00:15:56.971 --> 00:15:57.685 Comprende? 00:15:57.830 --> 00:16:00.028 I'm not saying you shouldn't speak Spanish. 00:16:00.990 --> 00:16:05.428 But we all have to communicate and understand each other here, right? 00:16:07.313 --> 00:16:08.649 I see your point. 00:16:08.650 --> 00:16:13.457 It's just that, you know, Rosa and I both grew up speaking Spanish. 00:16:13.458 --> 00:16:16.999 And sometimes it's just easy to kind of lapse back into it. 00:16:16.999 --> 00:16:17.810 You know what I mean? 00:16:17.811 --> 00:16:18.972 I understand that. 00:16:20.680 --> 00:16:24.057 I slip into my southern drawl with I'm back home with my buddies. 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:27.978 Maybe something that would help is we could all do a better job 00:16:27.979 --> 00:16:30.769 of making sure we don't leave anybody out, you know. 00:16:30.769 --> 00:16:34.500 Maybe if you speak Spanish how about translating for the rest of us 00:16:34.501 --> 00:16:35.743 so that we can be included? 00:16:36.057 --> 00:16:37.028 Okay? 00:16:37.470 --> 00:16:39.200 Okay. I can live with that. 00:16:39.685 --> 00:16:41.342 Thanks man. 00:16:54.506 --> 00:16:58.249 So, I got in early this morning and there was this black guy standing in the lobby. 00:16:58.250 --> 00:17:01.142 It was very scary. I had to take the other elevator. 00:17:01.571 --> 00:17:03.314 This place just isn't safe anymore. 00:17:14.827 --> 00:17:18.249 I've got to admit that there are days when somebody says something 00:17:18.249 --> 00:17:21.627 without even thinking - and instead of dealing with it, 00:17:21.628 --> 00:17:23.457 I'd rather just let it slide. 00:17:23.458 --> 00:17:26.429 You know, just ignore it and hope it will go away, 00:17:26.714 --> 00:17:28.800 especially if it's just a little thing. 00:17:29.199 --> 00:17:32.639 But, the problem is, what might be a little thing to me 00:17:32.640 --> 00:17:35.285 might be a bigger thing to the people I work with. 00:17:35.286 --> 00:17:38.858 And if I don't say something, pretty soon... well... 00:17:38.858 --> 00:17:41.461 that little thing has grown into something that is going to take 00:17:41.470 --> 00:17:43.542 a lot of time and energy to resolve. 00:17:43.989 --> 00:17:47.170 It's times like that where it's really important to take a minute, 00:17:47.171 --> 00:17:50.800 take a step back, and help everyone think about what's going on. 00:17:50.801 --> 00:17:54.371 So, I got in early this morning and there was this black guy standing in the lobby. 00:17:54.380 --> 00:17:57.228 It was very scary. I had to take the other elevator. 00:17:57.828 --> 00:17:59.714 This place just is not safe anymore. 00:17:59.942 --> 00:18:01.971 What does being black have to do with it? 00:18:02.199 --> 00:18:04.559 What do you mean? I was terrified! 00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:06.257 Well, because the way you said it, 00:18:06.257 --> 00:18:08.971 the guy was worth being scared of because he was black. 00:18:08.972 --> 00:18:10.229 That's not what I meant! 00:18:10.627 --> 00:18:12.570 Was there some other reason to be scared of him? 00:18:12.571 --> 00:18:14.885 I don't know. I guess it was just an impression. 00:18:15.314 --> 00:18:16.942 Based on the fact that he was black? 00:18:17.541 --> 00:18:20.656 I'm sorry. It was early and he was a stranger. 00:18:20.657 --> 00:18:22.285 I guess I just got caught off-guard. 00:18:22.286 --> 00:18:23.829 That I can understand. 00:18:23.942 --> 00:18:27.457 Look, I admit I was really uncomfortable saying something to her. 00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:31.313 What if somebody from the organization overheard what she said 00:18:31.314 --> 00:18:32.428 and took it the wrong way? 00:18:32.428 --> 00:18:36.914 I just felt like saying something was... well, the right thing to do. 00:18:36.915 --> 00:18:39.886 We all stereotype people, and we need to work on that. 00:18:40.309 --> 00:18:42.570 But I think we should also be more sensitive to the fact that 00:18:42.571 --> 00:18:45.714 the things we say could be misunderstood. 00:18:46.456 --> 00:18:48.513 Be seen as offensive to people. 00:18:48.514 --> 00:18:50.857 Yeah, I guess I didn't think about it like that, 00:18:50.858 --> 00:18:54.071 that I was implying that his being black is what made him scary. 00:18:54.071 --> 00:18:57.810 That's why I think we need to pay more attention to the kinds of things we say. 00:18:57.810 --> 00:19:00.657 So we don't send the wrong impression. That's all. 00:19:00.715 --> 00:19:02.143 You're probably right. 00:19:15.828 --> 00:19:16.885 Hi guys. 00:19:19.427 --> 00:19:20.313 Nice skirt. 00:19:20.314 --> 00:19:22.371 Yeah, the unapproachable type. 00:19:22.371 --> 00:19:23.857 Especially since she's married. 00:19:23.857 --> 00:19:27.942 Well, he's probably got lots of cash and a BMW. I think that type requires it. 00:19:27.943 --> 00:19:29.791 If they didn't have the cash before, they do now. 00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:30.368 How's that? 00:19:30.369 --> 00:19:31.219 She got promoted. 00:19:31.219 --> 00:19:33.140 No way, to what? 00:19:33.140 --> 00:19:36.828 Phil hired her into his office. She's project manager for the entire area. 00:19:36.828 --> 00:19:38.000 How'd she manage that? 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:38.770 Well, think about it. 00:19:38.770 --> 00:19:41.428 I already have. Phil gets to look at her everyday. 00:19:41.428 --> 00:19:42.710 Now that's real affirmative action. 00:19:42.710 --> 00:19:45.400 Yeah, well, it's good for career advancement, I'll tell you that. 00:19:45.400 --> 00:19:47.942 You know Eddie was up for that job. He does good work. 00:19:47.942 --> 00:19:50.180 Well, he must not have had the right qualifications. 00:19:50.181 --> 00:19:53.486 Yeah, he doesn't look nearly as good in a skirt, right Gil? 00:20:05.457 --> 00:20:08.920 You know, it's easy to make assumptions about people. 00:20:08.929 --> 00:20:10.538 Like the guy we believe got a job 00:20:10.539 --> 00:20:12.779 just because he was a member of a minority group. 00:20:12.780 --> 00:20:15.742 Or the woman who got promoted because of her looks. 00:20:16.314 --> 00:20:18.942 We do it all the time without really thinking. 00:20:19.469 --> 00:20:20.684 But you know what? 00:20:20.685 --> 00:20:24.699 Assumptions reported as fact are how rumors get started. 00:20:24.700 --> 00:20:28.885 Malicious rumors that can damage people's reputations in our organization. 00:20:29.426 --> 00:20:32.769 So, if I know the facts, I figure I owe it to myself 00:20:32.770 --> 00:20:34.828 and the people I work with to speak up. 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:38.742 Yeah, he doesn't look nearly as good in a skirt, right Gil? 00:20:39.760 --> 00:20:44.342 You know, I'll be honest with you guys. I think Susan deserved that promotion. 00:20:44.456 --> 00:20:46.856 Sure, just as long as she keeps wearing the short skirts. 00:20:46.857 --> 00:20:48.800 Aahh, that's not what I mean. 00:20:49.510 --> 00:20:52.457 She has the best leadership skills of anyone in this office. 00:20:52.709 --> 00:20:54.008 ...and the best legs. 00:20:54.009 --> 00:20:56.919 Listen, I've seen what it's like to have people thinking you got a job 00:20:56.920 --> 00:20:58.971 because you looked a certain way or because 00:20:58.972 --> 00:21:01.401 you helped the company meet a quota or something; 00:21:01.409 --> 00:21:03.528 instead of because you know what you're doing. 00:21:04.829 --> 00:21:08.628 It just eats at people. And after awhile, they get fed up with it. 00:21:08.628 --> 00:21:11.750 And they leave. I didn't want that to happen with Susan. 00:21:11.750 --> 00:21:13.880 Don't you think that legs thing is kind of a cheap shot? 00:21:13.880 --> 00:21:15.028 Oh, come on. 00:21:15.029 --> 00:21:16.911 Remember when you were working on that project 00:21:16.919 --> 00:21:19.113 and you didn't get the information you needed? 00:21:19.114 --> 00:21:20.741 What's that go to do with it? 00:21:20.742 --> 00:21:23.085 Wasn't it Susan who kept it from crashing and burning? 00:21:23.085 --> 00:21:24.400 Well, I wouldn't go that far. 00:21:24.400 --> 00:21:27.600 All you kept saying was it wasn't going to meet the deadline. 00:21:27.600 --> 00:21:28.500 And what happened? 00:21:29.057 --> 00:21:31.200 Susan pulled it together with less than a week to go. 00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:33.285 And that's on top of everything else she had to do. 00:21:33.286 --> 00:21:34.829 Maybe he's got a point. 00:21:35.319 --> 00:21:39.919 All I'm saying is if I was Phil and if I was looking for that 00:21:39.920 --> 00:21:43.257 great organized effort, she'd be the first one that I'd choose. 00:21:43.742 --> 00:21:45.485 I think we should give them both some credit. 00:22:00.399 --> 00:22:03.579 For me, the bottom line in all this is pretty basic. 00:22:03.580 --> 00:22:07.257 We all want to do a good job and we've all got a lot on our plates. 00:22:07.627 --> 00:22:09.856 And there's no way we can check who we are at the door. 00:22:09.856 --> 00:22:13.599 So, we're going to have to see the world differently, from time to time. 00:22:13.600 --> 00:22:14.771 And that's okay. 00:22:15.199 --> 00:22:18.109 But what's not okay is when we let those differences 00:22:18.110 --> 00:22:19.914 get in the way of working together. 00:22:20.270 --> 00:22:24.239 That's why it's important to speak up for respect in the workplace by... 00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:26.542 Making time to discuss the situation. 00:22:27.057 --> 00:22:29.485 Exploring and acknowledging our differences. 00:22:29.857 --> 00:22:32.542 Encouraging respect for each other's perspectives. 00:22:32.913 --> 00:22:35.341 And taking responsibility for our part 00:22:35.342 --> 00:22:38.428 and being willing to change our behavior, if necessary. 00:22:39.684 --> 00:22:44.027 The truth is, we want to be able to take advantage of our differences 00:22:44.028 --> 00:22:47.714 to help make us more productive, more successful. 00:22:47.715 --> 00:22:51.691 But to do that, we've got to make an effort to recognize and respond 00:22:51.700 --> 00:22:56.771 to situations where our co-workers or our customers don't feel respected. 00:22:57.085 --> 00:23:02.050 And then work to resolve them in a way that makes work a better place to be. 00:23:02.059 --> 00:23:04.169 For me, that's what it's all about... 00:23:04.170 --> 00:23:07.857 Finding practical ways to meet on common ground.