How To Train People To Be Sensitive

Sensitivity Training

Sensitivity training focuses on developing greater sensitivity to oneself, others and to one's relations with others. Designed to promote emotional growth and development, sensitivity training typically takes place in a closed session away from work. It may involve a collection of people who do not know each other, a group of people who are well acquainted or a combination of the two. A sensitivity training session may last for as little as half a day or go on for several days. It is begun by a change agent, who announces that the change agent's role is to serve solely as a non-directive resource. The change agent then lapses into silence leaving the participants with neither a leader nor an agenda to guide interpersonal activities. The purpose of putting people in such an ambiguous situation is to force them to structure relationships among themselves and in the process question long-held assumptions about themselves, about each other and about interpersonal relations.

Sensitivity training participants take part in an intense exchange of ideas, opinions, beliefs and personal philosophies as they struggle with the process of structuring interpersonal relations. Here is a description of 1 four-day session:

The first evening discussion began with a rather neutral opening process which very soon led to strongly emotional expressions of concern. By the second day, the participants had begun to express feelings toward each other quite directly and frankly, something they had rarely done in their daily work. As the discussion progressed, it became easier for them to accept criticism without becoming angry or wanting to strike back. From the second day onward the discussion was spontaneous and uninhabited. From early morning to long past midnight, the process of self-examination and confrontation continued. They raised questions they had never felt free to ask before. Politeness and superficiality yielded to openness and emotional expression.and then to more objective analysis of themselves and their relationships at work. They faced up to many conflicts and spoke of their differences. These were tense moments, as suspicion, distrust and personal antagonisms were aired, but more issues were worked out without acrimony.

By completing this process, people learn more about their own personal feelings, inclinations and prejudices and about what other people think of them.

A Word of Warning

Sensitivity training can initiate profound and intense psychological change. It is not uncommon for participants to engage in very critical assessments of themselves and others that can be both difficult and painful. Therefore the change agent overseeing sensitivity training must be a trained professional who can help participants deal with criticism in  a constructive manner. In the absence of expert help, participants could be at risk of serious psychological trauma. 

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