Between Me and You: A Blueprint for Psychological Safety and Interpersonal Inclusion Across Industries

Between Me and You: A Pathway to Support Interpersonal Inclusion for Improved DEI Outcomes Find common ground beyond labels. Build trust in real relationships, not politics. In a polarized world where conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) often provoke defensiveness, Between Me and You offers a different path. Instead of ideology or policy-driven mandates, CharlesM.Harper Sr. presents a human-centered approach built on emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and trauma-informed practice. Leveraging decades of experience as a Navy veteran, educator, and practitioner, Harper argues that real change happens between people, not through committees. His framework doesn't focus on historical grievances or social group metrics-instead, it centers on everyday interpersonal moments where trust, dignity, and connection either thrive or falter What You'll Discover A practical, non-confrontational method that bridges rather than divides Focus on psychological safety-creating space where people can speak freely without fear or resentment Tools rooted in Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Cultural Intelligence (CQ), and Cultural Humility, shaped by trauma-informed insight No reliance on divisive group identity frameworks-just mutual respect and understanding Why It Matters For those skeptical of DEI: This book isn't about quotas or ideology-it's about individual connection and real-time communication. It equips you to engage respectfully, hold difficult conversations confidently, and reduce friction with tools anyone can use. For those supporting DEI: It goes beyond policy-this method operationalizes inclusion in day-to-day leadership and culture. Harper details how psychological safety is the essential first step to making inclusion truly actionable Features & Format Field-tested across sectors-from law enforcement to education, corporate teams to community groups Real-world vignettes, reflection prompts, actionable steps to apply the framework instantly Templates for inclusive coaching, conflict repair, and team-building-designed for scalability and long-term culture health Built-in flexibility: use modules in leadership development, municipal training, union workshops, or your company's learning programs Benefits You Can Expect Increased trust, retention, and engagement in teams regardless of background Better problem-solving and innovation through a culture where people feel safe to speak up Lowered interpersonal friction and fewer tense or defensive interactions Better outcomes without political tension-because when people feel heard, they stay and contribute Who Should Read This Book? Leaders looking to bridge ideological rifts and restore trust HR teams who want to improve culture through action-not virtue signaling Coaches, consultants, and trainers seeking neutral, trauma-informed tools Anyone interested in improving teamwork, reducing turnover, and creating environments where all people feel secure enough to contribute Between Me and You isn't another book about DEI-it's a roadmap to relational resilience. Wherever you stand, it lets you connect first, and let the rest follow.