Small Groups; ~5-6 participants 

Instructions: 

  • Identify a moderator, and participants A, B and possibly C. 

  • Moderator reads the italicized notes. 

  • Other participants read their lines. 

  • Practise an immediate response (as instructed by the moderator notes). 

  • Practise calling-in (as instructed by the moderator notes). 

  • Identify a spokesperson to share with the larger group.

Scenario 1

Moderator: A team meeting is being lead by Colleague A. You observe the following exchange between Colleague A and Colleague B, who identifies as a trans person.

A: Okay, does anyone have any leads so far for this project?

B: (raising their hand) I found a resource that may be helpful—

A: Can we first hear from those with lived experience? I think we can all agree on that, right?

B: Sure, I guess. (lowers their hand)

Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response, specifically in supporting Colleague B in the moment. Consider how you might support Colleague B in private later. Further, consider how you might “call-in” A, presumably in private.

Scenario 2

Moderator: You are in the breakroom, where a small group of colleagues are gathered. Colleague A, an older woman of colour, is speaking to Colleagues B, C and you. Colleague A is describing her experience in a recent meeting which was lead by Colleague D (who is not present).

A: (sighs) I don’t want to make a big deal out of anything, but it just feels like when we’re in those meetings, [Colleague D] doesn’t really want to hear from me.

B: (looks at C) Really? I always found D to be really nice, right?

C: (looking at B) Absolutely. And they’re so knowledgeable too. I don’t know what we’d do without them on this project.

A: Oh, I agree. I’m not saying they’re not valuable. But I just felt like they were ignoring me that whole meeting.

C: If that happened, I didn’t notice. (looks at B).

Anyway, I find that if I speak up, D usually listens, right B?.

B : (nodding, finally turns to A) Yeah, A. I think you might be overthinking this.

D is one of the most nicest people here in my experience. Try to speak up more and I’m sure they’ll listen. What do you think?

(B turns to you)

Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response (specifically in supporting colleague A in the moment), while also preventing this incident from becoming gossip. How might you support A in private? How might you “call in” either B and/or C?

Scenario 3

Moderator: You are in a meeting where Colleague A (older woman) is contributing some ideas. You are present during the following interaction between Colleague A and Colleague B (a younger and newer colleague).

A: So, I think if we just adjust our approach in this way, it could really improve outreach and I would love to discuss it more here with you all—

B: (interrupting, patronizing smile) It’s a little … old-fashioned, don’t you think?

It’s the digital age, so we could try to keep up and use a more innovative approach. But we really appreciate your experience and insight. Does anyone have other methods?

Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response. How might you support A (in the moment, or privately)? And how you might “call-in” B?

Scenario 4

Moderator: You are on the planning committee for an upcoming departmental conference, and you are discussing venues downtown. (You are person C in this scenario.)

A: I do like that venue, but construction around the area is making it difficult for people with mobility challenges to enter the building. I don’t even know where the building ramps are.

Plus, it’s so loud. I don’t know if I’d be able to focus with my conditi– (stops talking as A notices B scrunching their nose, looking ready to disagree.)

B: Yeah, but it’s the best venue. And I don’t know of a single person who uses a wheelchair in this whole department! Anyways, it shouldn’t be that hard to focus, it’s just a little noise, people can get past that, right, C?

Moderator: Colleague A has previously disclosed to you that they have ADHD. You also know of one colleague who is a wheelchair user. Consider and demonstrate your immediate response (specifically in supporting Colleague A in the moment). And how you might “call-in” B, presumably in private outside of the meeting.


Scenario 5

Moderator: You are part of a planning meeting for an upcoming research presentation to an important audience. Colleague A is the data analyst and presenter who prepared the presentation, and she is a plus-sized, older woman. Colleague B is the project manager. Colleague C, who is a young woman team member, is supporting the project.

A: My presentation is ready, I’m really looking forward to presenting it—

B: You know, I was thinking since this is a particularly special presentation, it would be a great chance for [Colleague C] to present.

C: (looks confused, nervous)

A: I’d be happy to present it. I built the presentation and know the data well.

C: And honestly, while appreciate the opportunity, I’m not really prepared nor feeling confident in speaking on this research …

B: (pauses) OK. Well, I’ve had lots of opportunities to step up, and you’ll grow from this.

I think C would make a great first impression up there, and with this audience it’s all about the first impression. Plus, we want to make sure we’re presenting ourselves as polished, energized, professional. Your experience would be great behind the scenes, B.

Moderator: Colleague A and Colleague C both appear confused.

B: Given our goal to project a fresh and contemporary image, it’s important that every aspect of our team’s presentation aligns with that vision.

Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response in the moment. Also consider what your response might be later in private. How can you “call-in” Colleague B, the project manager?

Scenario 6

Moderator: In a meeting, a manager is wrapping up a discussion of the recent changes to the Ministry’s support of Pride, and the potential impact on employees. Colleague A jumps in at the manager’s comment.

Manager: So, not everyone is going to be happy with this change in the Ministry’s support. If we could please keep this to ourselves for now, communications is working on how to best share this with the “tinkerbells” in the crowd. You know what I mean? (chuckles)

A: Sorry, did you just refer to staff as “tinkerbells”? 

Manager: I’m just kidding. That was just a joke. I’m saying we need to be sensitive to who might overreact to this change not happening fast enough. 

Moderator: Consider and demonstrate your immediate response and how you might “call-in” the manager, as either another manager or participant in the meeting.