Radio

• Politics and the Art of Listening
  Progressives and conservatives may feel they have little in common these days. But there's one thing both sides share -- they don't feel the other side is listening to them. Join Kojo as we talk with workplace consultant Howard Ross about why it's so hard to really listen to -- and empathize with -- someone whose views are dramatically different from your own. WAMU-88.5 FM - September 20, 2010
  
  
• Affirmative Action & Tension in the Workplace
  Are mechanisms to promote and support minorities helping those who really need it, or are they doing more to fuel racial tension than anything else? In a tough economic environment, some are questioning whether these programs might be counterproductive. Our regular guest Howard Ross joins us to explore bias and so-called "white privilege" in today's workplace. WAMU-88.5 FM - August 12, 2010
  
  
• Lessons from "Intern Season"
  "Intern season" is a rite of summer in Washington. But the intern experience is evolving from a summer diversion into a prerequisite for professional development. Workplace coach and diversity consultant Howard Ross joins us to explore why the intern experience is evolving so rapidly, and who may be getting left behind in today's economic environment. WAMU-88.5 FM - July 12, 2010
  
  
• Ideology & Diversity
  Should ideology be a part of the equation when it comes to diversity? Such conversations often break down solely on lines based on gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Kojo and diversity consultant Howard Ross examine the often complicated relationship between ideology and diversity, particularly as it pertains to politics. WAMU-88.5 FM - June 7, 2010
  
  
• The Politics of Personal Appearance in the Workplace
  Social norms of "acceptability" often dictate the outfits we wear, or the haircuts we sport, at the office. But the underlying causes for these norms are complex -- cutting across cultures and generations. Workplace coach Howard Ross joins us to explore the the complicated politics of personal appearance at the workplace, and investigate why a simple decision to get a tattoo can shape your reputation within your office. WAMU-88.5 FM - March 1, 2010
  
  
• The Economics of Marriage
  The institution of marriage is changing. Women and men are marrying later in life, and households are now more likely to have two working spouses. These economic changes have sparked an evolution in marital expectations and career trajectories. Kojo and Howard Ross speak with the author of a new study on the economics of contemporary marriage. WAMU-88.5 FM - February 1, 2010
  
  
• A Slow Start for Young Workers
  Young people looking for jobs today can't help feeling their timing stinks. Nearly one in five people age 16 to 24 is unemployed. We'll look at the work/life repercussions felt by individuals and employers as career plans stall and workplaces lack fresh, young faces. With special guest, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Economist; President of Bennett College. WAMU-88.5 FM - January 11, 2010
  
  
• Personal Issues at Work
  Most people consider their work and personal lives separate. But an illness, divorce, or the death of a loved one will inevitably intrude on the office. How should something as private as grief be handled in the workplace? We'll discuss compassion and professionalism in dealing with personal issues at work. WAMU-88.5 FM - December 7, 2009
  
  
• Same-Sex Marriage Politics in the Workplace
  The debate over same-sex marriage is back in the headlines in the District. As it becomes fodder for more water-cooler discussions, some employers are grappling with how -- and whether -- to create a formal way of addressing the issue. We talk with Howard Ross about the intersection of marriage politics and the workplace. WAMU-88.5 FM - October 7, 2009
  
  
• Bullying in the Workplace
  What happens to the schoolyard bully once he or she grows up and joins the rat race? Apparently, some of them remain bullies as adults. New research is focusing on the role of office bullies, and studies show these people can have a huge impact on workplace productivity and health. We talk with Howard Ross about how to identify and stop the office bully in his tracks. WAMU-88.5 FM - September 14, 2009
  
  
• The Culture of Health in the Workplace
  Health care is a sensitive issue in the workplace -- and a deeply personal one to boot. But complex cultural factors often influence what we expect out of our employers and the health benefits they make available. Workplace consultant and business coach Howard Ross is back to explore the complicated, and often explosive, intersection of employment and health. WAMU-88.5 FM - August 17, 2009
  
  
• Howard & Kojo
  Many companies realize that increasing diversity among their workers can have a positive effect on the bottom line. Workplace expert Howard Ross joins Kojo to explore the unique position in which retailers find themselves, as they deal with the public and low-wage workers to overcome fear of 'the other.' With special guest Eric Watson, Executive Director, Vice President of Talent Acquisition & Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Food Lion, LLC. WAMU-88.5 FM - July 6, 2009
  
  
• Code Wars
  When President Obama nominated judge Sonia Sotamayor to the Supreme Court last month, he set off a high-stakes scramble among allies and opponents. He also set off a flurry of coded statements in the media-- words like "empathy" taking on meanings beyond their dictionary definition. We talk with Howard Ross about the political buzzwords of the summer, and what they say about our national debate on diversity. WAMU-88.5 FM - June 1, 2009
  
  
• The Psychology of Public Health at the Workplace
  It's not easy to work when the colleague next to you is fighting a hacking cough. And the swine flu outbreak is ratcheting up office tensions about illness and sick leave. Business coach and diversity consultant Howard Ross joins us to explore how sickness can drive a wedge between colleagues and expose potential unfairness at the workplace. WAMU-88.5 FM - May 4, 2009
  
  
• Outsiders, Insiders and the Modern Workplace
  Being the odd man out can make for awkward moments at a cocktail party. But a new study finds that outsiders may be the most valuable people in a workplace -- even when we think they're causing office strife. Join Kojo as we talk about the surprising opportunities and challenges of life as the office oddball. WAMU-88.5 FM - April 6, 2009
  
  
• Workplace Culture During the Downturn
  In workplaces across our region, employers are asking their employees to "do more with less." Many businesses are trimming payroll and scaling back workplace development programs. These changes are often necessary, but they also change professional and personal dynamics in the workplace. Howard Ross joins us to talk about office culture in a time of economic turmoil. WAMU-88.5 FM - March 2, 2009
  
  
• Gender, Fairness and the Workplace
  President Obama this month signed legislation giving wage discrimination victims more time to file suit. The gender discrimination case that sparked the bill also ignited a nationwide discusion about fairness at the workplace. Business coach and diversity coach Howard Ross joins us to explore what this case means about how far America has come on gender and fairness, and how far we may still need to go. WAMU-88.5 FM - February 2, 2009
  
  
• The Natural Selection of Cultural Norms?
  Genetic science can explain the color of a child's eyes or hair but what about the cultural ideas that the child is likely to adopt? An emerging field of study called memetics focuses on just that: the natural selection of cultural norms and social phenomena. Business coach and diversity consultant Howard Ross joins us again to explore how the concept of memes applies to the decisions we make in our daily lives and in the workplace. WAMU-88.5 FM - January 5, 2009