One of the Rules of Engagement that we promote during our respectful workplace program is ‘to value the many different sources of knowledge that exist’. While we present this as a guideline to consider during the program, I’ve also found it equally useful in my own life. Recently I was chatting with a close friend who is African-American. She and I have known each other for years and therefore can be candid with one another, especially when it comes to issues of race. During the conversation she told me a [...]

Earlier this week the New York Times reported on a new program that teaches empathy to middle school students as a way to prevent violence and bullying. Imagine the possibilities if everyone practiced just a little more empathy in their lives and at work. Gossip Girls and Boys Get Lessons in Empathy By Winnie Hu SCARSDALE, N.Y. — The privileged teenagers at Scarsdale Middle School are learning to be nicer this year, whether they like it or not. English classes discuss whether Friar Laurence was empathetic to Romeo and Juliet. [...]