An Exchange Community is an opportunity to remove organizational hierarchy, to share one’s experience with others in University Services, and to engage in meaningful conversations that matter. All members of an Exchange Community acknowledge each other as equals, as well as encourage open expression of thought and experience. To this end, an Exchange Community encourages self-reflection and curiosity.
Among others, the desired outcome of participation in an Exchange Community is the development of skills and communication that sustains meaningful connections across ability-based, cognitive, cultural, economic, ethnic, gender-based, generational, linguistic, national, personality, sexuality, spiritual, social, racial and work-style differences. There are currently two Exchange Communities, each initiated by and for the team (an integral part of the development and expansion of the program).
Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Exchange Community
Incepted from feedback provided by the team, the first Exchange Community (formerly Conversation Circles) brought together folks from all levels of the organization to engage in constructive conversations about diversity and inclusion. The focus of this Exchange Community is on understanding and appreciating our identity-based and cognitive differences, leveraging the strengths we possess because of those differences, and building community.
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Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Exchange Community Full Summary
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The Diversity and Inclusion Exchange is a gathering space where people from different departments within University Services can discuss various D&I related topics, share ideas and learn from each other in a comfortable and encouraging setting. The discussion group is sustained over the fall and spring semesters; meeting once a month for six months. Like all Exchange communities, the Diversity & Inclusion Exchange encourages curiosity and reflection as well as openness to the thoughts and opinions of fellow participants.
D&I Exchange participants will gain skills for engaging in conversations with people who do not share the same values, opinions and experiences in a space where free speech meets sustained dialogue.
Guiding Principles
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Acknowledge one another as equals
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Stay curious about each other
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Slow down, reflect
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Demonstrate deep listening
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Expect the unexpected
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Welcome answers, welcome ambiguity
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The right people are here
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Speak your truth from your own experience
Group Agreements
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Honor confidentiality
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Listen with curiosity and compassion
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Ask for what you need and offer what you can
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Honor the Community
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Right to pass
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Participate
Topics may include:
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Multi-Generational workplace
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“The Permit Patty, Coupon Carl, Angry Adam, and BBQ Becky” phenomenon
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Staying in conversation with people with opposing views
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Stereotype Threat or Stereotype Bias
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What is Inclusion and how can we cultivate it?
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The Princeton bubble/Princeton “Polite”
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Understanding #Metoo
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What is LGBTQ?
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Class and Economic status
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First Generation Low Income (FLI) students
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Leadership Exchange Community
The Leadership Exchange Community provides participants with an opportunity to examine leadership and management topics with other leaders and managers from all departments within University Services. Participants will be introduced to management tools, leadership models, research and other resources to support their exploration and learning. This Exchange Community will also provide a confidential space to discuss the challenges and cultivate best practices for supervising people.
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Leadership Exchange Community Full Summary
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The Leadership Exchange is a gathering space where *managers and senior administrators within University Services can study and explore group dynamics, organizational culture, and leadership. The format of the Leadership Exchange promotes exploration through facilitated sessions led by subject-matter experts, experiential learning and mentorship.
Like all Exchange communities, the Leadership Exchange encourages curiosity and reflection as well as openness to the thoughts and experiences of fellow participants. We invite you to engage, to learn and to grow with us.
The Leadership Exchange has two monthly components:
Component I: Lunch & Leadership: This lunch meeting, led by subject-matter experts, is designed (1) to build community among University Services leadership and management; (2) to discuss management and leadership topics that are important to our organization. Leadership Exchange registrants will invite a direct report, or an emerging/prospective manager/leader, to the Lunch and Leadership session. This meeting will usually last an hour.
Component II: Leadership Exchange: Monthly gathering for a structured and sustained conversation with managers and leaders across the organization. This exchange community is designed to further explore learnings from the Lunch and Leadership sessions, while simultaneously reflecting on the hands-on experience gained from our own leadership work. In doing so, together we will create a supportive environment that fosters an innovative and inclusive approach to leadership and ensures individual and organizational growth.
Guiding Principles
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Acknowledge one another as equals
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Demonstrate deep listening
-
Stay curious about each other
-
Slow down, reflect
-
Expect the unexpected
-
Welcome answers, welcome ambiguity
-
The right people are here
-
Speak your truth from your own experience
Group Agreements
-
Honor confidentiality
-
Listen with curiosity and compassion
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Ask for what you need and offer what you can
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Honor the Community
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You have the right to pass
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Participate
Topics may include:
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Distinguishing between Leadership and Management
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Managing the Multi-Generational Workforce
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Leadership Theories
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Group Dynamics (forming, storming, norming, and performing)
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Situational Leadership
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Culture, Leadership, and Bureaucracy
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The Princeton Polite and Demonstrating Courage
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Diverse and Inclusive interviewing practices
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Self-awareness and feedback
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Crucial Conversations
*For the purpose of registration, manager refers to one who is responsible for staff members and conducts performance reviews or one who manages major projects affecting multiple University Services or University departments.
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