Micromessaging

Valarie Camara

On March 6th, a group of about 75 corporate counsel and members from our sponsoring firm, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, PC, had the opportunity to listen to Stephen Young, the president and founder of Insight Education Systems.  During his powerful presentation, Mr. Young sensitized us to the impact that the micromessages can have on us as a sender, a receiver, or an observer.  Microinequities are negative micromessages – small, subtle messages, frequently unconscious – that devalue, discourage and ultimately impair performance in the workplace. In contradistinction, microadvantages are positive micromessages that empower, encourage and inspire improved performance in the workplace.  These messages are typically nonverbal and can take the form of looks, gestures, tone of voice, inflection or inference.

The program was hosted by the NJCCA Women's Networking Committee and the Diversity and Minority Bar Relations Committee in an effort lead by Evaleon Hill and Linda Pissott Reig of Porzio.  The evening was kicked off with time for networking, cocktails and a light supper followed by an interactive presentation by Stephen Young.  Deborah Dagit, Merck & Co., Inc.'s Chief Diversity Officer introduced Mr. Young and provided the audience the context for this program.  Ms. Dagit also mentioned that about half of Merck's global workforce has been through this program, which has been valuable in providing employees with a common vocabulary upon which to raise an issue.

Valerie Camara, President –Elect, closed the program by thanking Mr. Young for his presentation and the audience for their participation.  Linda Pissott Reig and D. Jeffrey Campbell, on behalf of Porzio, Bromberg & Newman and its subsidiaries, Porzio Pharmaceutical Services and Porzio Governmental Affairs, then announced the door prize winners and provided the participants with a complimentary, autographed copy of Mr. Young's book, Micromessaging: Why Great Leadership is Beyond Words.  The door prizes were generously provided by Porzio Pharmaceutical Services and Porzio Governmental Affairs.   An additional facet to the evening's event was the generous donations of toiletries that the participants made in support of Jersey Battered Women's Services, Inc.

Stephen Young, Deborah Dagit, Evaleon Hill, Valerie Camara, Linda Pissott Reig and D. Jeffrey Campbell