Different People,

Different Views:
Uniting Through Diversity

Jazmin Ramirez
Graduate Resident Director
Salem State University
Agenda
➔ Learning Outcomes
➔ Introductions
➔ Activity
➔ Power of Perception
➔ Conflict
➔ Case Study
➔ Questions
Learning Outcomes
1. Students will reflect on their social identities with a focus
on the identities that are closest to them.
2. Students will see how different identities positively affects
their role as leaders when working with others.
3. Students will learn how to manage conflict.
4. Students will further their knowledge on diversity and what
it means to be part of a diverse student group.
Opening Activity:
Circles of my
Multicultural Self Tip
The closest identities to
you place them inside of
the circle in the center.
The identities that are
not as close to you
place them in the outer
circles.
 How do our
identities
define us and
our work?
Wide array of skills and
identities are brought to
the table

Allows you to learn from

others and to expand your
own skill set:
Ex. work styles,
interests, cultural
background, etc.
Power of Perception
Looking at differences in a constructive
way to ultimately build teamwork

Recognize the learning opportunity

➔ Example:
Instead of “John is so different from me.”

Try “ I can learn a lot from John.”

Instead of “Janelle is a chatterbox.”

Try “Janelle values communication.”

What can we do to
work with these
differences?
Build rapport

Open and honest communication

➔ Respectful questions followed by

attentive listening
➔ This allows for vulnerability
between student leaders
➔ Seeing everyone around the table
as a support system
 What
happens
when there's
conflict?
Conflict
Conflict is an evitable

People with different goals and needs

clash

➔ Personal animosity

Conflict is not always a bad thing, it

helps build communication and
conflict resolution skills
What to do when
tension arises over
differences? Tip
Think of a time when
you were working with a
team or another
individual and y’all had a
disagreement on
something.
 Make sure that good
relationships are a
priority
Separate people from
Tip
Listen first, talk second.
problems
Listen to what the other
person is saying, before
you defend your
position.
Listen carefully to
different interests
Case Study
Alberto and Monica are both on the student government
association board. While discussing a current issue in the news, it
becomes apparent that Alberto is for the removal of DACA, while
Monica is against it. Both leaders feel as though their perspective
is the correct one, and tension has risen.

How should each person approach the situation?

Being comfortable
with being uncomfortable
Understand that there is always something that you could learn from
people you work with

Engaging in meaningful conversations and making an educative effort

will benefit the team dynamic

These skills transcend to any leadership role and/or life post graduation
Questions?
 Thank
You!
Contact information: Jramirez @salemstate.edu