We Can't Talk about That at Work!: How to Talk about Race, Religion, Politics, and Other Polarizing Topics Paperback – April 23, 2017

This book provides so much depth and insight that's constructive and balanced. It offers many tools to leverage and equip people to have necessary yet difficult conversations while bridging differences. I highly recommend it for anyone committed to a journey of allyship and inclusivity.

Someone recommended this book to me and I am so glad they did. Not only is it well written and easy to read but the content is incredibly relevant to today’s work environment and with everything that’s going on in our country and in the world. Great for managers and non managers alike.

I appreciate Mary-Francis Winters’ book about how to have successful, productive conversations about polarizing topics. I think the work of The Winters Group is important and should continue in helping to establish cultures of diversity and inclusion in organizations.I just don’t think the process described in this book is practical for most organizations. The author suggests that these conversations not be spontaneous, but I think in reality this is how these conversations are happening and most often that’s how they will continue to happen. Understanding the principles from this book can help make these conversations more peaceful and productive.Perhaps the process described in this book might be more practical for organizations that have had incidents and major tension around a polarizing topic. Company required diversity education, protective policies, corporate diversity goals and events that celebrate diversity are real ways that can help diverse people feel valued and create a culture of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Workplace book club discussions and recommended reading of these kinds of books can also help.I thought the examples focused too much on conversations about race, specifically, black and white. Of course this is a major and valid polarizing issue. But not the only issue that needs addressing.On a side note, this book caused me to deal with some of my own bias. It caused me to bring it to the surface and decide to think about why I felt the way I felt and admit to myself that this thinking is wrong. And that my supporting reasons for thinking that way are also invalid. I prayed about it and decided to actively change the way I think going forward.There is some really good wisdom about how to address sensitive topics. I will definitely go back through and highlight strategies that’s spoke to me and try to absorb them and carry them with me as I communicate with others (especially the list of inclusive habits to live by on page 119).I’m glad I read “WCTATAW.” It was easy to read and it flowed. I think it can make a difference in the way professionals and others communicate about polarizing topics.

An important read. Smart, insightful and practical, Winters provides a well-articulated case for having bold, inclusive conversations at work as well as clear, step-by-step guidance on how complex dialogue can happen in a positive way for beneficial outcomes. This is BIG work. One of things I admired about Winters writing was her description of what could be perceived as impossible work, my “talking to her on the page” as I read, saying something like “…this is not realistic… how could I possible do this and produce my event and do my grant proposals, and…” and I’d turn the page and Winters intuitively responds, writing (I’m paraphrasing): “I know what you’re thinking. Your time and workload don’t afford time to commit to this work…” Although I’m not sure how this guide fits into my personal journey or my organization’s, it is definitely a must read for its thoughtful, the 360-degree view.

We Can't Talk about That at Work!: How to Talk about Race, Religion, Politics, and Other Polarizing TopicsWe are in the mist of one of the polarizing times in the World's history. People are angry, divided and afraid because of Global and local events of police brutality, terrorism, sexism and racism. Typically, people impacted directly or indirectly by these events hold their emotions and concerns inside and become stressed and less effective, or seek the anonymity of the internet to console themselves or lash out at others.We can't talk about that at work contains compassionate, pragmatic and sage advice about how to talk about these realities at work in manner that leads to personal growth, effective relationships and organizational benefit. Through research, case studies, role-playing, exercises and self-assessments, Mary-Frances Winters has provided an engaging guide for people to talk about issues of race, religion and politics at work that will benefit employees and organizations.

The content wasn’t very helpful or useful. My employer recommended reading it before office racism discussions started. For the life of me I don’t know why this book was chosen as a facilitating resource.

I've known Mary-Frances and admired her work for a long time. AND I think this most recent contribution to her many gifts to others is one of her most helpful. It is easy to read and also inspirational. I thought I knew how to have these tough conversations.. but I learned a lot from this book. It is one that I will readily give to others and include in my work. It is timely, too. We all need to step up and -- yes -- talk about this. I've always been told to steer clear of politics at work.. but I see that I need to stand up for my beliefs -- and more importantly be a better listener.

In today's environment our ability to have difficult and uncomfortable conversations is more important than ever. Mary-Frances Winters has just made it easier. Her new book "We Can't Talk About That at Work" breaks it down into an easy to understand process. She provides "Real" world examples that gave me the opportunity to reflect on some of my own situations. The tips at the end of each chapter really give you some "go do" actions to get you started. This is truly an empowering book that is a must read for everyone!