Dr J Harrison_The fine art of not fitting in_ Codemotion Berlin 2019

It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that diverse teams produce better outcomes. But how do we make a diverse team inclusive? How do we make space for differences in thinking, and understanding on our teams? Through personal stories of an adult life in technology, queer theory, and practical examples that cost nothing to implement (they don’t even need policies!) this talk shows how you can make space in your team for difference. Simple things can make space so your teams are inclusive for all sorts of Diversity

About: Dr J Harrison, Harbinger of Change - ThoughtWorks

Dr J joined ThoughtWorks as a Business Analyst, they have almost 20 years experience from their work implementing Call Centres, and building service teams for Symbian and then Nokia. They then spent 4 years working in Design Agencies and freelancing before they joined ThoughtWorks. They gave themselves the job title “Harbinger of Change” because if you’re talking to them change is definitely coming. They are most fired up by getting businesses to make the changes they need to get process software and people aligned. They are passionate about getting the business to come along on the journey.

Transcript

1. The fine art of not fitting in or being GenderQueer in a corporate world
2. A quick gender lesson
3. This is the gender binary MEN WOMEN I’m not on it - I’m across the road thinking about where to get the best coffee
4. How do you get there?
5. Born the day the first men who walked on the moon returned to earth
6. Girl?
7. Girl?
8. Trans?
9. Transgressive Non-Binary GenderQueer
10. Vocabulary
11. Heteronormativity
12. Homonormativity
13. Chrononormativity
14. Cisnormativity
15. Movember is ok if you can grow it - or you are sexy with it
16. The Body is political
17. Dress Code
18. 50 years old Consultant / Business Analyst PhD
19. How to present my body according to the magazines
20. This is political
21. This is not by choice and is still political
22. This is political
23. This can make you an angry beast
24. And an exhausted one
25. Queer Expectations
26. You’re corporate
27. Both, and, not only, but also
28. How do we make space?
29. Pronouns
30. Pronouns can be He She They (even it if refers to a single person it’s always “they are…” and that is grammatically correct) Or more varied… Zie/Hir/It Use Pronouns
31. It’s easy “ Which pronouns do you prefer? ” It is that simple Ask Pronouns
32. Introductions include pronouns Everyone has pronouns If only one person has to state their pronouns then this makes them different to everyone else So introductions are “Hi, I’m Dr J, and my pronoun is They” It is that simple
33. SAID IT WRONG? SAY SORRY CORRECT IT MOVE ALONG
34. Say “Hi”
35. If you think someone has walked into the wrong toilets or changing room.. Say “Hi…” If they have they’ll go “ooops…” and leave in a cloud of embarrassment If they haven’t they’ll think you’re a lovely friendly person You think they got it wrong?
36. It is about the plumbing you NEED not the plumbing you HAVE
37. Labelling bathrooms should be about the plumbing available not who uses it. Make spaces Gender Neutral by not making Gender part of the description It’s about the plumbing!
38. Include Everyone
39. Ask yourself: Would a straight man date this noun? Would a straight woman date this noun? If the answer to either is Heck, no way! Then the group noun is not gender neutral and will exclude some members of your team Is “Guys” gender neutral? “Babes”?
40. Folks People Peeps Youse Everyone Gender Neutral examples of group nouns Team Comrades Friends Pals Crew
41. Amplify
42. If someone is being ignored or talked over in discussions Say “As X was just saying…” “I’m not sure, but I know X will know. X can you help..?” This amplifies their voice So everyone gets heard. Let them be heard
43. Listen up!
44. Microaggressions are little things like - ❖ Interrupting or talking over just one person ❖ Ordering food someone on the team can’t eat ❖ Making comments about someone’s appearance We know when it’s happening because we feel it in our gut - we are evolved social animals Little rubs that make places less inclusive
45. Take the person at the bottom of the pile aside Talk to them and listen Tell them your observations Listen some more Listen!
46. Then figure out as a team how you are going to handle and resolve the situation as a team Because the situation is the responsibility of the whole team Saying Nothing is saying It’s OK
47. #TheyAreUs
48. Being visible costs
49. If we are not visible, we cannot demand the world make space for us
50. Thank you Dr J Harrison Harbinger of Change ThoughtWorks @drjharrison drjharrison@thoughtworks.com