Asking the right question is important. “Are we more or overly sensitive to being offended today than in the past?” is not the appropriate question. 

Rudeness is a well-defined concept. There are things we overlooked in the past that were never okay. They were always rude but given a pass because the focus was on intent. A comment or an act is rude not because of your intent but because of its impact.

Throughout the session, the facilitator uses several models, and discussion questions to help attendees focus on the impact of their behavior rather than intent. The course explored the factors that promote appropriate behavior in the workplace.