The biggest threat to workplace equality may not be discussed in diversity workshops, and in fact the perpetrator may not even be aware he is doing it. It is the silent messages we send with every message. For instance, a manager may tell an employee that he isn't happy with the employee's work simply by the facial expressions he makes or the way he holds his body. The employee may feel discouraged, and productivity may suffer. What makes these messages difficult to control is the fact that neither the sender or the receiver may be aware they are happening, even as they create barriers between people, instill resentment, and generally create a toxic work environment. Leadership and diversity consultant Stephen Young suggests a four-step approach to dealing with this communication problem that uses the acronym TALK:

1. Talk to yourself and decide if the problem is really a misunderstanding.
2. Approach the person about the perceived inequality.
3. Listen to the person and let him explain the perceived problem.
4. Keep communication open.