Article kindly contributed by David Deegan, Academee Diversity Consultant

This is just one of the questions in the Academee Learning out of the Box Diversity Board Game. The rules of the game are relatively simple and straightforward. The complexity lies within the questions that are deliberately crafted to generate discussion in a fun and non-threatening way.

The Board Game questions are designed to offer facilitators the opportunity to use them as ice-breakers for a diversity training session, or as prompts for longer group discussions. The Board Game Facilitator Guide contains comprehensive notes. These give suggestions as to where a discussion could lead, how to position supplementary questions and hints as to where aspects of legislation can be woven in. The Guide also contains suggestions for various methods of play that enable total flexibility. The method of play and level of discussion a facilitator chooses is simply determined by their own objectives for the session, time available, size and make-up of the group. One of the reasons the game is so versatile is that it appeals to all communities and to every level of an organisation.

The question about the mirror generates answers such as, “Checking to see who is behind you”, “Making the space look bigger and lighter” and “Making sure you don’t have spinach in your teeth”. All of these answers are benefits that many people will gain from the presence of that mirror, but none of them are the correct answer.

The question about the mirror can lead into a longer discussion about the relative simplicity of some adjustments, and the benefits they bring to others. It can also lead to discussion about legislation and the concept of what constitutes a reasonable adjustment.

Such is the powerful effect of the Diversity Board Game. One seemingly simple question can result in an enormous amount of lively debate. Birmingham employers experienced this for themselves when they attended a free half-day workshop in March this year. The purpose of the workshop was to show employers how to use the Diversity Board Game within their workplace to raise peoples’ awareness of the Diversity Agenda in a fun and interactive way.

How many of us have experienced dry training sessions on Equal Opportunities, where we have been told our duties and responsibilities under a new piece of legislation? They can leave us all feeling as though we are being lectured to, or fearful of “doing the wrong thing.” This approach also fails to dig underneath the topic of legislation to explore what really drives a pluralistic diversity agenda. Consequently it can never take diversity beyond the level of compliance and transform it into a high-level strategic business driver. “Learning out of the Box” helps employers take that next step. This ‘learn and share’ training tool enables the diversity and inclusion journey to continue back in the workplace after the training session has taken place.

If you are still wondering why in a small lift there is a mirror at the back that goes from the ceiling halfway down, but not all the way to the floor, then the only answer is to go along to a future workshop and spend a very entertaining time finding out.

About the author

David Deegan is a consultant with Academee (www.academee.com), one of the UK’s leading providers of blended learning solutions. David has over 12 years experience in the design and delivery of learning and development, and an expert in the field of diversity and inclusion. David welcomes your views on this article and can be contacted at david.deegan@academee.com.