WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW:
SUBSCRIBE TO MAGAZINE
Exhibiting &
Event Topics
EXHIBITOR
Magazine
Find It
Marketplace
EXHIBITOR
LIVE
EXHIBITOR
Education Week
EXHIBITOR
eTrak
CTSM
Certification
EXHIBITOR
Insight
EXHIBITOR
Awards
News
Network
Advertise
With Us
Topics
Research
& Resources
Editorial
Commentary
Trade Show
History
Plan B
Ideas
That Work
Trade Show
Video
New
Tools
Research
Ask
Dan
Special
Projects
Glossary
of Terms
Trade Show
Trends
exhibitor q&a
Ask Dan
Ask Dan photo
Q.
Some of my staff members refuse to use the preferred pronouns of other staff members. How should I deal with this?

A.
Respecting and acknowledging others' preferred pronouns is important for fostering inclusivity and for creating a positive and supportive work environment. Here are a few ways to tactfully and effectively handle this situation.

First, promote education and awareness among your staffers. Consider organizing training sessions or workshops to teach them about the importance of using preferred pronouns and the impact it can have on individuals. Help them understand how doing so contributes to a more inclusive and respectful workplace culture. It's vital, too, that you encourage an open dialogue, where employees can discuss their concerns or questions regarding the use of preferred pronouns. Along with this, make sure that your company's policy on using preferred pronouns is communicated to all staff members in person as well as by email. Reinforce the importance of following this policy and what the consequences could be for not doing so.

As a manager, it's crucial that you lead your team by example. Act as a positive role model by openly and consistently using people's favored pronouns. By demonstrating respectful behavior, you encourage your employees to do the same, and by showing it's part of the expected workplace culture, you might help them bypass any discomfort. E


Dan Lumpkin, organizational psychologist, is the president of management-consulting company Lumpkin & Associates in Fairhope, AL. Need answers? Email your career-related questions to askdan@exhibitorgroup.com.
you might also like
 
Join the EXHIBITOR Community Search the Site
TOPICS
Measurement & Budgeting
Planning & Execution
Marketing & Promotion
Events & Venues
Personal & Career
Exhibits & Experiences
International Exhibiting
Resources for Rookies
Research & Resources
MAGAZINE
Subscribe Today!
Renew Subscription
Update Address
Digital Downloads
Newsletters
Advertise
FIND IT
Exhibit & Display Producers
Products & Services
All Companies
Get Listed
EXHIBITORLIVE
Sessions
Certification
Exhibit Hall
Exhibit at the Show
Registration
ETRAK
Sessions
Certification
F.A.Q.
Registration
EDUCATION WEEK
Overview
Sessions
Hotel
Registration
CERTIFICATION
The Program
Steps to Certification
Faculty and Staff
Enroll in CTSM
Submit Quiz Answers
My CTSM
AWARDS
Sizzle Awards
Exhibit Design Awards
Portable/Modular Awards
Corporate Event Awards
Centers of Excellence
NEWS
Associations/Press
Awards
Company News
International
New Products
People
Shows & Events
Venues & Destinations
EXHIBITOR News
© Exhibitor Group | The Leader in Trade Show and Corporate Event Marketing Education PO Box 5996, Rochester, MN 55903-5996 | (507) 289-6556 | Need Help? Ask Scott