Being an Executive Assistant supporting Executives within NA HCM at SAP, it is important
for me to get involved in the employee initiative, Month of Inclusion.
I chose to attend the Month of Inclusion session, “Social Thinking” with Michelle Garcia
Winner because I have a daughter in high school that has taken a Social
Academics class for the past two years. My daughter’s teacher bases her
teaching from Michelle’s perspective on Social Thinking. The Social Academics
class has made great progress with students with learning differences. We are
starting to see teachers implementing Social Thinking within the elementary
curriculum in San Francisco.
I enjoyed listening to Michelle speak about how to help understand people on the Autism
spectrum and it made me aware not only to use her suggested techniques among
people with differences, but across the board with everyone.
Michelle Garcia Winner helped me to be more aware of how I might communicate at times
and to be aware of how someone might receive information I am presenting. I am
thrilled that I can use these teachings to benefit my interactions with SAP
employees and executives.
Some of my fellow colleagues attending the session are on the Autism spectrum and it was
interesting what they shared on their experiences working at SAP and some of
the struggles they have with Social Thinking and communication. It was nice to
see them asking questions and sharing some of their struggles while working in
a company with different communication styles. Luckily, SAP has a great Autism
at Work program to ensure these employees are catered to.
When walking away from Michelle Garcia Winner’s session, I felt proud to work
for SAP and am proud of how SAP cares about our community. It is great that SAP
employs people with differences and ensures they can contribute to SAP’s
success.
