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May 11, 2023

From Shock to Strength: Empowering Responses to Microaggressions with Dr. Ava Greenwell

From Shock to Strength: Empowering Responses to Microaggressions with Dr. Ava Greenwell

Everything you need to know about microaggressions and what to do about them.

Kat and Shan are back!!  They dive deep into the world of microaggressions with Dr. Ava Greenwell, and how they impact individuals and teams in everyday life. 

Microaggressions are defined as subtle, brief, verbal or non-verbal, everyday slights and indignities that are generally targeted towards historically marginalized groups. They can be unintentional, but their impact on the individual cannot be ignored.

Dr. Ava Greenwell sheds light on the subject and shares her insights and experiences. She explains that if we recognize that we have committed a microaggression, we should go back to the person and ask if they are okay. Dr. Greenwell also discusses the impact of microaggressions on teamwork, which can lead to holding back ideas and feeling less involved and productive.

The impact of microaggressions is not just emotional but also physical. Higher cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and higher blood pressure can lead to a shorter lifespan. 

Dr. Greenwell talks about how to best respond to microaggressions. Here are some questions you can ask to disarm the other person, but not attack them:

  • What did you mean by that?
  • Could you say that again? 

The responsibility of leaders is also discussed in the podcast, with Dr. Greenwell emphasizing the importance of training and language to build empathy and emotional intelligence. The need for different points of view on belonging, diversity, and microaggressions is also highlighted.

Tune in so you can get a better handle on this topic that affects almost everyone. 

Get in touch with Dr. Ava Greenwell here:
 https://ladiesleading.net/bio
and
https://www.linkedin.com/in/avathompsongreenwell/

Other Resources:
Derald Wing Sue  https://www.tc.columbia.edu/faculty/dw2020/

A quick summary of Dr. Chester Pierce who coined the term "microaggression":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY194fO3iE8

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Link: https://www.tradesnation.com/us/en/etcs/autotech/driven-to-win.html