MicroTriggers
MicroTriggers are subtle, seemingly unimportant communications that matter to an individual. They can be words or behaviors, tone, inflection, or body language that may have been sent intentionally or unintentionally.
Today more than ever, people want to be inclusive and demonstrate that they value a broad range of people. But sometimes they don’t know how to do that, particularly with people who are different. Understanding MicroTriggers matters because it helps you to build better relationships. Even if you are working on macro issues, you may miss the smaller, more subtle issues that impede your ability to create deeply engaged, well-functioning, high-performing teams.
For more than 20 years, Ivy Planning Group has been conducting research into these subtle behaviors. Ivy’s work from the very beginning has been inclusive. The collection of data on subtle behaviors came from a mix of people across race, ethnicity, gender, age, gender identity, religion, function, and other dimensions of diversity.
Ivy Planning Group has compiled 58 common MicroTriggers that can have a big impact on our relationships. By sharing your MicroTriggers, you are signaling to your colleagues how you define respect and what’s important to you. That is a gift, because when positioned correctly, MicroTriggers will improve communication, interactions, morale, and productivity.
Which MicroTriggers Experience
is Right for You?
MicroTriggers® (Paperback Edition)
What’s Your MicroTrigger? explores 58 common MicroTriggers—the subtle words and behaviors that can shape how people feel, communicate, and connect. Through the perspectives of the sender, receiver, and observer, the book helps readers recognize everyday interactions they may have previously overlooked and better understand their impact. With relatable examples and practical insights, readers gain tools to strengthen communication, build healthier relationships, and create more inclusive environments. Small moments matter—and this book shows how changing them can make a meaningful difference.
MicroTriggers Workshop (In-Person or Virtual)
The MicroTriggers® Workshop brings everyday workplace interactions into focus, helping participants recognize the subtle behaviors that can strengthen—or undermine—trust, communication, and connection. Through engaging discussion, relatable scenarios, and practical strategies, participants explore the roles of the sender, receiver, and observer and learn how to navigate MicroTriggers in real time. The experience builds greater awareness while equipping people with tools to communicate more effectively, strengthen relationships, and foster a more respectful and inclusive workplace.
MicroTriggers eLearning and online Course
The MicroTriggers® eLearning experience brings the power of MicroTriggers® to learners anytime, anywhere. Through engaging, self-paced modules, participants explore common MicroTriggers, understand the perspectives of the sender, receiver, and observer, and learn practical strategies for navigating everyday interactions. Designed for individual learning or organization-wide development, the experience helps build greater awareness, strengthen communication, and create more respectful and inclusive environments—at each learner’s own pace.
MicroTriggers Train-the-Trainer
The MicroTriggers® Train the Trainer program equips your organization’s facilitators and leaders to confidently deliver the MicroTriggers® experience within their own teams. Participants deepen their understanding of the MicroTriggers® framework while learning proven facilitation techniques, discussion strategies, and approaches for navigating meaningful conversations. By building internal capability, organizations can expand the reach of MicroTriggers®, reinforce learning over time, and create lasting impact across the workplace.
ARE YOU READY TO DO THE WORK?
Phone
240.505.5663
Address
6701 Democracy Blvd
Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20817
Social Media
