Having Hard Conversations About Race
“Conversations on racism should never be about winning.” ― Ijeoma Oluo
How do we have difficult conversations in the workplace? What if we say the wrong thing? How can we learn to talk about race?
Talking about race at work is not easy. Many of us fear saying the wrong thing. But moving past the discomfort and diving deeper into conversations about race is how we enact real change. It allows us to share lived experiences, insights and beliefs, and to address biases and misconceptions. Through having hard conversations on race, we can begin to create safe, equitable workplaces that foster support, growth and empathy. Most importantly, it is a vital step toward ending discrimination and inequities in the workplace.
Practical Tips for Hard Conversations on Race
1. Do you feel uncomfortable? That's okay.This is a movement acknowledging the pain, trauma, and injustice inflicted on generations of people, including your colleagues. It is not about your discomfort, your hurt at being called out, or your fear of speaking up. Change comes out of feeling uncomfortable. So lean into it and move forward. Acknowledge that the conversation could be awkward, difficult, and uncomfortable and then try to determine the reasons behind those feelings.
2. Set aside any preconceptions you have, examine your motivations before you start the conversation, and acknowledge that your ability to have a conversation about prejudice and bigotry, without being the person affected by that prejudice and bigotry, is a privilege.
3. Be mindful, listen with empathy and curiousity, center the marginalized person, ask questions, and be open and willing to change.
Do the work
This week, I commit to having the necessary difficult conversations at work. I will say "I'm sorry" if I've said something hurtful, and will listen without denying another's lived experiences.
Spread the word
If you want to keep going
What if I Say the Wrong Thing? How to
Have Hard Conversations on Race
In the months after George Floyd’s murder, many of us restarted overdue conversations on race. Those conversations took place at home, in schools, and in workplaces. The years since 2020 have demonstrated these conversations continue to be necessary to continue the work of racial equity. But having those conversations without preparation can lead to anger and frustration. That’s where I come in, to share how we can have successful conversations on race. Learn why talking about race matters, why it is so difficult to talk about race, five principles on which to center your conversations on race, and real-life scenarios for us to practice our learning.
