Search Results for: cultural competence

By Whose Standards: Meeting People Where They Are

In my experience, “meeting people where they are” has long referred to and been limited to inquiry into the intellect, the mind. Likewise, “meeting people where they are,” as well-intentioned as it may be, in practice, has more often been applied with a “silent” white. In other words, “meeting [white] people where they are.” It is worth calling attention to the ways in which even our work – diversity, equity, inclusion, justice work – must be held accountable to its deference to the white gaze.

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A Point of View: Creating and Sustaining Inclusive Cultures in a VUCA World

Clearly the unrelenting COVID-19 Pandemic and all of the associated repercussions, the racial reckoning, the impact of climate change, and political polarization of epic proportions have left many of us confused, frustrated, and anxious about our future. Work will never be the same as it was before the Pandemic. We have great opportunities even in this VUCA world to develop new inclusive practices that enhance the work experience for all. It will not be easy, requiring intentionality, a willingness to radically change, and new leadership skills.

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By Whose Standards? Racial Reckoning: How Are We Holding Organizations Accountable for Making Good on Their Promises?

It is now 16 months since the George Floyd murder and the outpouring of support from many major organizations to prioritize anti-racism efforts. This period of history is being dubbed as a “racial reckoning.” Companies pledged to put more Black people in leadership positions, focus more recruiting efforts at HBCU’s, increase their spending with Black-owned businesses and donate to Black-run not-for-profits. How are we doing on these commitments and by whose standards? 

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Operationalizing Justice: A Checklist for Change

Over the last five months, we’ve delved deep into what operationalizing justice actually looks like, answering the question we so often get as people struggle to turn thoughts and ideas into action: “This sounds good, but how do we do it?” We have put together a checklist of actions to consult as you work to center and operationalize justice across organizations. We have sequenced the areas as a recommended progression, but each person and organization is different, so feel free to find the starting place that makes sense for you.

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Operationalizing Justice: POWER to the People

I’ve previously referred to “power” as the silent “P” in corporate DEI work. We’ve talked about cultural differences without equal attention to the ways in which group membership and systems of oppression make some cultural differences valued over others. We’ve talked about unconscious bias without attention to the nuance that all biases are not created equal, and power has significant — even deadly — implications. We cannot begin adding “equity” and “justice” to our DEIJ industrial lexicon without addressing and amplifying the role of power.

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Racial Justice at Work: Practical Solutions for Systemic Change

Racial Justice at Work book cover

Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit

Inclusive Conversations: Fostering Equity, Empathy and Belonging Across Differences

We Can’t Talk About That At Work! (Second Edition)

Cover of the book We Can't Talk about That at Work (Second Edition) by Mary-Frances Winters and Mareisha N Reese

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