We live in a diverse world with increasing globalization. Teams are comprised of individuals with various ethnic, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds. Some of the differences may be visually apparent, while others may be impossible to see or tell. Yet these differences influence the way we interact with others, the way we work, the way we view the world, and more. To work within teams and organizations effectively, an understanding and acceptance of these differences is a must. This is where diversity and inclusivity training come into play.

When you explore and discuss diversity in the workplace, it fosters an inclusive, innovative, and productive environment. Diverse teams tend to have enhanced decision-making skills because they consider multiple viewpoints, increased innovation because everyone brings something unique to their work, and greater employee engagement and retention when people feel valued and accepted. Diversity and inclusivity training open up a discussion on diversity to foster a more inclusive environment.

Open up your diversity and inclusivity training by highlighting that working within a diverse team is a great advantage. Stress the importance that diversity does not always apply to visual differences. Every single person within the team is diverse in their own way and being understanding of the differences we all have is what leads to greater personal and professional success.

Then, introduce the Diversity Thumball. Explain how it helps players have open, honest conversations about diversity and that they will walk away with ideas for how they can be more understanding of others. We understand that it can be difficult to talk about diversity and its many intricacies. Here are some ways you can effectively use the Diversity Thumball while being sensitive to others:

Tip 1: Set Ground Rules

Before you start tossing the ball, be honest and share that conversations about diversity and bias can be hard. As a group, set ground rules, such as no talking over one another, actively listening to what another person is saying, and no personal attacks.

Tip 2: What to do if the Conversation Turns

Despite setting ground rules and stressing the importance of acceptance, sometimes the conversation can become emotionally charged. In that instance, here are some tips to redirect the conversation toward a more positive outcome:

1. Acknowledge the emotion in the room and share your gratitude for everyone's honesty.
2. Reestablish the ground rules you all set up.
3. Take a break and regroup if things start to get heated.
4. Ask open-ended questions about experiences and feelings.
5. Share your own personal story or experience as it relates.
6. Offer to continue the discussion later in a more structured diversity and inclusivity training.

By playing in teams, participants will learn how to do the following:

1. Critique ideas, not people
2. Stop sparking personal attacks
3. Listen and make sure everyone feels heard and validated
4. Agree to disagree; disagree without being disagreeable

Looking for a fun and effortless way to break the ice and spark meaningful conversations? Thumballs are one of the best collaboration activities for teams. Just toss, catch, and respond to the prompt under your thumb – it's that simple. With engaging and intuitive topics, Thumballs create a relaxed, stress-free environment that energizes any training session, encourages participation, and makes learning more interactive. Get ready to turn every toss into a chance for connection, insight, and fun.

Mary Miller Pembleton, a speech pathologist, created Thumball™ to engage her students with learning challenges by combining speech activities with ball games. After a dream inspired her to market the product, she and her husband Gregg developed and patented Thumball™, which is now used to improve communication and social skills in various settings. Their business, Answers In Motion, also customizes Thumballs for HRDQ and other companies. The product's success has grown with increased publicity and sales, fulfilling their vision of making Thumball™ a household name.