A recent workshop session in Flin Flon had one goal, to show attendees the world through a different set of eyes.
The diversity session, run by Winnipeg-based Benefits and Beyond, was held at the WEST Centre at the request of the Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce.
Colleen McKee, training coordinator for the WEST Centre and organizer for the event, said the workshop was something necessary for Flin Flon as the community welcomes new people and new cultures.
“Personally, I think there’s a need for this. I think any time we can challenge ourselves in learning about new cultures or others, it’s a benefit for our community.”
McKee added that she feels Flin Flon has become a more diverse community in recent years.
“Flin Flon previously was a very isolated northern community. People were born here and raised here, it was the same families. Now, there are people moving here from other places, other families,” she said.
Discovering each person’s internal biases and reasoning was part of the workshop, using the root causes of those biases to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
McKee said while turnout was low for the first workshop, the centre is open to holding similar workshops in the future, encouraging businesses and employees to attend.
“I think what it did was it really allowed you to take the time to listen to another perspective and think of what other people have to say, and listen – the big word is ‘listen’ – to what other people have to say. Everybody has a story and we all come from a place of our own personal values and it’s nice to hear what other people have to say and realize why they believe what they do.
It’s a philosophy that McKee, a Flin Flon city councillor, feels the city needs more of moving forward.
“I really, truly believe this is the first step,” she said.
“I’m hoping that people will take advantage of this type of workshop again. It’s very important to know how to communicate effectively in the workplace. Whether it’s your inner workplace or your outer workplace with your customers, I think it’s important that we develop the skills that we need to do our jobs well.
