Lunch & Learn 4/28: Work Styles and Thought Diversity

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging is hosting a series of professional development sessions designed to strengthen inclusive leadership, dialogue, and equity-centered practice. Each session invites reflection, skill-building, and actionable strategies to enhance our shared culture of belonging at Fairfield University. This is the final session led by Vernée Butterfield, PhD and will be joined by Martin Pino, PSY.D., Assistant Vice President, Health & Wellness; and Natasha Booker, PhD, LCSW, Fied Education Clinical Director, Master Social Work Program.

Lunch & Learn Series, Building Inclusive Dialogue and Practice:

Topic - Work Styles and Thought Diversity: Valuing Different Approaches to Collaboration

How do we work effectively across differences in communication, thinking, and problem-solving in ways that strengthen both individual contribution and collective success? This interactive session invites Fairfield faculty and staff to explore how thought diversity and varied work styles shape collaboration, decision-making, and team dynamics through the lens of cura personalis—care for the whole person. Together, we will examine how certain approaches are often privileged in academic and professional spaces, while identifying practical strategies to better understand, engage, and leverage diverse ways of thinking.

Participants will learn to:

• Recognize thought diversity and communication styles as critical dimensions of collaboration, inclusion, and team effectiveness

• Identify how different approaches to thinking, processing, and communicating can influence workplace dynamics and outcomes

• Apply tangible strategies to engage effectively across a range of work styles in meetings, classrooms, and teams

• Leverage diverse perspectives to strengthen innovation, problem-solving, and decision-making

• Foster environments where varied contributions are acknowledged, respected, and meaningfully integrated

Date: April 28, 2026

Location: BCC 200

Time: 12-1:30pm