Navigating Difficult Moments: Upstander Skills for Inclusive Workplaces

In this episode, Jamey Applegate tackles the challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in modern work culture, focusing on practical DEI strategies for workforce development. The conversation centers on how to create workplace equity and workplace inclusion by empowering employees to move from being passive bystanders to active upstanders when addressing workplace challenges. Through frameworks and real-world examples, listeners learn to foster a more supportive and equitable work environment for all.

Jamey offers practical guidance on recognizing harm, understanding personal responsibility, and safely intervening. Listeners learn the importance of validating others’ experiences, as well as specific tools—the LIFE acronym and the Four Ds of intervention—to confidently step up and create safer, more supportive workplace environments.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The distinction between bystanders and upstanders in workplace incidents

• Why bystanders stay passive and the risks of non-intervention

• The impact of identity, bias, and context in interpreting workplace events

• The LIFE upstander framework (Lead, Identities, Feelings, Evaluation)

• The Four Ds of intervention: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay

• Practical scenarios and responses to common workplace harm

• Communicating support and validating those affected

• Encouragement of culture shifts toward accountability and active support

• Resources and ways to connect with the DEI Minute team