A note to our community: please talk about race at work.

By Audrey Roofeh

I'm writing with a personal message, albeit one that dovetails with the professional messages you expect from me. We don't usually write twice in one month, but recent events warrant an exception. 

It is not news that the United States suffers from entrenched structural racism, but how we experience that racism in America varies tremendously. As a white woman, I have the privilege of avoiding news about the murder of George Floyd, or the casual racist violence of Amy Cooper if I choose to, but my African American colleagues and friends do not.

Making space to discuss, at work, what people are experiencing and feeling about racism in America is an essential building block for inclusive workplaces. This message is for those of you who, like me, can wear your privilege of whiteness lightly. There is tremendous value in taking time to engage in empathy and perspective-taking with colleagues who experience the heaviness of racism. 

Another work week is about to start. Tomorrow, before your first meeting or check-in, consider how you will start the day when you email, call, or videochat your colleagues. What you will prioritize? How will that message land for your colleagues, particularly your colleagues who are people of color? 

I know some of these conversations are happening in your workplace, but if they are not, consider how you start those first conversations tomorrow.

No matter your position, check in with colleagues who are people of color to see how they are in light of news about racist police violence. The news this week has been painful; ask your colleagues how they're doing, and, if they feel like sharing, listen actively. 

If you are in a position of leadership -- within your team or the entire organization --  acknowledge the racist violence endured by people of color in America. With more coordinated efforts, businesses can lead on this change, here is an example of how one business sent the message.

Listen to understand what your colleagues need right now. It's ok to start small, but don't lose the thread. Keep the conversation going. 

Many of these conversations are underway, and we want to hear what has worked for you. Feel free to reach out to me directly at roofeh@marianastrategies.com.  

Yours,
Audrey Roofeh