Respond fast & firm to racist comments.

In the past couple years, employers are drawing brighter (and tougher) lines on unacceptable racial comments and conduct in the workplace.

Just last month, Boeing announced that it has fired 65 employees and disciplined 53 others during the past 10 months for "racist, discriminatory or otherwise hateful conduct."

Here are five steps to put a quick stop to racially charged speech:

1. Act immediately. Talk to the person right away. Any delay implies that the behavior is acceptable.

2. Be direct. Your first words: ""We will absolutely not stand for offensive racial remarks here."

3. Define acceptable behavior. State that although employees are entitled to their personal beliefs, they must act according to company policy.

4. Spell out the consequences...