In situations where the team is working well, but one member makes a joke related to someone’s race or culture that offends another person on the team, a representative of the group the joke was made about. Although the joke was intended to cheer the team up, the mood suddenly changes. What can and should the manager do in such a situation?
Take action immediately
Not reacting to this type of joke is equal to agreeing with the person who offended a colleague with their comment. The worst thing a manager can do is not take a stance and just move on. Instead, he or she can take advantage of the situation and show the team how it is more appropriate to behave in the company of their colleagues.
The STOP Technique
Lenora Billing-Harris, an expert in diversity, equity and inclusion, has developed the STOP technique that can be applied at times when one witnesses microaggressions.
The first step is to point out the inappropriate behavior, as it is possible that a person may not realize that what they are saying is offensive to someone. To address what needs to change, but without doing so in an attacking tone or with retaliatory insults.
Step number two is to say how that joke makes the offended person feel. If a colleague has jokingly called another colleague “stupid”, it can be emphasized that such comments create a feeling of disregard and make people feel unappreciated.
The third step is providing options. In addition to focusing on what not to do, suggestions can be given on how one can improve their behavior. For example, one might say that another time a different word could be used, or ask for more details before “labeling” the person or idea as “stupid.”
The final, fourth step of this technique is to emphasize the positive outcome that the behavior change will lead to. “I believe that we will work better together and accomplish more if we respect each other” is a good way to wrap up arguing the point.
In private
If the time to make the remark was not appropriate, or if the behaviour is repeated even though managers have responded to the joke in a timely manner, then a good strategy is to have a word with the person in private.
Managers need to create an environment within the team where members can talk to them when the behaviour of others affects them and prevents them from working towards the company’s goals. This improves belonging and creates a work environment where everyone can be their authentic self.
