Story 70 - The importance of Sensitivity Training in Diversity & Inclusion

During the Indian cricket team's 1996 tour of England, star batsman Navjot Singh Sidhu abandoned it midway. The cricket board conducted an inquiry, but Sidhu simply refused to reveal details, informing he was prepared to face any consequences. Finally, one of the committee members Mohinder Amarnath talked to him in his own language to unearth the truth.

?

Within minutes, the issue was resolved.

?

What was the truth?

Sidhu complained that captain Azharuddin had abused him throughout the tour. Even a Good morning was followed by filthy words. Sidhu was terribly upset & decide to leave the team quietly.

Mohinder informed, “the specific words used by Captain Azhar are an abuse in North India, but a common loving address in Hyderabadi. Captain Azhar may not have realized the cultural differences, but he was not showing slightest disrespect to you, leave aside any offence!"

(Adapted from I was there – Memoirs of a Cricket Administrator by J Y Lele)

?

Successful D&I requires employees to be able to acknowledge & respond to unconscious attitudes & behaviours. Says Dr Saundarya Rajesh in her book ‘The 99 Day Diversity Challenge’, “An important method to reframe an organization’s D&I culture building is a sensitivity training which helps in creating awareness among employees about cultural differences & identify filters & enables them to eliminate blind spots.”

?

Stories on Leadership, HR & Life is a weekly series on various aspects as a corporate professional based on personal anecdotes & industry examples