Mask as a tool for Diversity/Sensitivity Training & Empowerment

The arena of structured play provides a neutral space outside hot spots of office, or relationship

Wearing a mask levels all participants to a state where attention can be focused purely on behaviour and action, the non-verbal 97% of communication

Mask allows us to express feelings that cannot otherwise be articulated due to status, position, hierarchy, or custom (Reaching ‘true’ content)

Expose unspoken rules taken as fact (Reaching ‘true’ content)

Mask can act as the cultural and personal ‘lens’ in Chris Argys’ Ladder of Inference

Through exercises, improvisation, storytelling and special cross-cultural scenarios participants step into the shoes of another
(functional, racial, or gender orientation)

Express and honour individual perspective, and contributions

Experiment and explore through play, the values and norms of the organization and the individual in that organization

Work towards ownership of a more open dialogue between colleagues (balancing Advocacy and Inquiry) and building consensus for agreed group culture