Navigating Microaggressions

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1. Write down your definition of teamwork.

2. Think of a memorable team experience, positive or negative. What made that experience memorable?

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What is a microaggression?

“Brief and common daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or

unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults.”

There are 3 main types:

● Microassaults

● Microinsults

● Microinvalidations

NYT: Microaggressions: Comments That Sting

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Examples of Microaggressions

● Telling someone “Your English is so good!”

● Calling something you find strange “gay”

● Telling someone “I don’t see color. I only see character.”

● Calling someone a “girl” as an insult.

● Telling a woman she needs to smile more.

● Asking a person of color “Where are you really from?”

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Impacts of Microaggressions at Work

Though microaggressions can be unintentional, their impact is significant:

Anxiety

Paranoia

Depression

Loss of confidence

Loss of motivation

Helplessness

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Communicating Microaggressions

We have all likely been both the victim and perpetrator of microaggressions.

Now, we can identify them but how do we make sure we are aware and avoid communicating

them to another?

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Communicating Microaggressions

How can you reduce the likelihood of communicating a

microaggression?

Before breaking back into

your groups, here’s one

(funny) way: