How do you talk to people in a professional realm about racism? This isn’t the kind of thing we are going to have solid answers on – in fact, that’s part of the problem. But we are willing to have the conversation, and we hope you join us.
Why is that important for business?
These conversations are hard, complicated and messy, but they also can’t be ignored. We need to have these conversations, and we need to listen, because until people feel heard, you can’t have a discussion. Admitting that you don’t know how to talk about it, but you feel it is important to discuss can be a great starting point. Like with grief, there are no magical words that will say that will make this better, so don’t let “what if I don’t say the perfect thing” hold you back – there is no perfect thing to say. A lot of it is just showing up. Just acknowledging.
Is it better to say the wrong thing than nothing at all? The point is – don’t make it about you, or your perspective, and acknowledge that you don’t know. As we talked about all the way back in Episode 3, When Leadership=Looking Dumb? (https://soheresmystory.com/episodes/ep03-when-leadership-looking-dumb/), this is not about having answers, but convening the space for the questions and conversations that can change a thing.
And no – you can’t just follow your instincts, as your natural instincts are borne out of your own (non-universal and maybe privileged) experiences and perceptions, and are therefore not the best way to navigate conversations with someone who has a different lived experience. So make sure you are prepared to listen. You don’t have to stake out a prescription; you just have to acknowledge the issue.
And when you find yourself hesitating to say anything for fear of having your fingers slapped, remember – it isn’t about you. Don’t let yourself be more worried more about yourself and the perception of me than you are about saying the thing that needs to be said.
This is a discussion, and we would like to have it with you. Let us know what you think.
What story do you want to tell?
So, that's our story... now, we want to hear yours!
Pull up a chair and join the conversation in our Facebook Group: bit.ly/shmsgroup
OR...
Shoot us an email: talktous@soheresmystory.com
Connect with @SHMSpodcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/shmspodcast
Text the word STORY to 345345 to get access to bonus content and weekly episode delivery.
Want to support us?
Love this podcast?
Please tell your friends, post about us, or take a moment to review us & subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to the podcast!
It’s our final episode, and we have a lot to say, including thank you so much for listening!
Why is that important for business?
We are sad (and …
Is your business in a rut? Is everyone showing up with “Non-Player Characters” energy? When you have an Organizational Depressive State, it can be hard to get out of it – or can it be as …
How do you strike the balance between keeping things that you might not ever need, and getting rid of things that you might regret not having?
Why is that important for business?
Having …
Do you expect to be heard? Or do you just assume that how things are is how they have to be?
Why is that important for business?
Do you have a say or a voice? Do you expect to be heard? If …
Like all good lessons about asking for what you need in business, this lesson starts in a massage parlor.
Why is that important for business?
You need to be aware of your needs (in …
When you find out you are riding with the descendent of a nationally acclaimed blind wrestler, you know you’re in for some stories. And it turns out, we can turn those stories into some …
You can listen to episodes right here on the website, or if you prefer, in a podcast app. Listening in an app makes it easier to keep track of what you’ve already heard, listen without using your data plan and many other conveniences.