Impact of microaggressions

Microaggressions communicate belittling messages and can erode trust. They may be unconscious, but their effect is real and accumulates, affecting morale and performance.

Three patterns

Microassaults are explicit biases; microinsults convey hidden demeaning messages; microinvalidations dismiss experiences of marginalized groups. Recognizing these helps respond effectively.

Recognizing examples

• You're so articulate.
• That language sounds ethnic.
• Are you sure you belong in this role?

How to respond

Pause, name the impact, and invite perspective. Use non-defensive language and offer support to affected colleagues to build a safer environment.