How Real-Life Stories Can Help Black Employees Thrive
As we celebrate Black History Month, we are inspired and energized by the racial equity work undertaken by many of our clients. When they acknowledge bias and diversity challenges in their organizations—and embark on learning journeys to address those hurdles—they expand the opportunities for employees. Our racial equity learning journeys empower organizations to better support Black employees.
In a racially equitable workplace, career progression milestones and business goals are achieved by a diverse group who are empowered to lead. Equity is the understanding that different people need different things to succeed – which means that an employee from a traditionally marginalized community likely has different needs, expectations and experiences from one who is not.
Even something as simple as a brief interaction may be experienced very differently by each person.
Small interactions
It's those small interactions, found throughout the workday, where many diversity challenges can be found. You might find one in an off-hand comment in the hallway or dropped in Zoom chat, or maybe even tucked in the feedback of a slide deck or an email chain.
Even comments made with good intentions can be land in a way that feels challenging to the listener. Sometimes referred to as “Intent versus Impact,” this phenomenon is widespread – and good intent without good impact can create harm in the workplace. The impact is what ultimately matters.
Real-life experiences
These small interactions are highlighted during the racial equity learning journey. They are explored, dug into, questioned and mulled over. And – maybe most importantly – they hit home.
After watching a series of scenarios that feature conversations between a Black employee and her white supervisor, learners are able to pause and reflect on how seemingly simple workplace interactions might land for this particular Black employee.
What would a racially equitable workplace look like? How might allyship, power and privilege play a role in these conversations? What was the impact vs. the intent?
The scenarios are either performed live, or through video, and followed up with in-depth discussion. Since the conversations featured in the performances are taken from real life, the material resonates with audiences.
Curious to see for yourself? Below is a link to a session we conducted during the Diversity and Inclusion 2020 Conference hosted by The Conference Board. During this session you will see our CEO Shilpa Pherwani discuss in detail how we are using interactive modality to discuss racial equity issues. You will also hear client testimonials from Hasbro and USA Today.
4 Topics in Racial Equity
For those exploring the racial equity learning journey, the following e-learning topics provide an outline of the educational process offered at IBIS.
Module 1: Fundamentals to Racial Equity
What is Racial Equity and why is it important
Equity vs Equality
Monologues illustrating real-life stories and impact of racism in the workplace
Social Identity Wheel (in vs out groups)
Culture Add vs Culture Fit
Race & Racism
Module 2: Systemic Racism
4 types of racism and workplace examples
US Historical Context on Race (optional)
Concepts of power, prejudice, and oppression
Antiblackness & Colorism
Interrupting the cycle of oppression and prejudice
Module 3: Power & Privilege
Privilege and Racial Consciousness
Having Difficult Conversations on Race (Scenario)
Framework/guidelines for race related dialogue
Do’s and Don’ts for race-related dialogue
Module 4: Allyship and Anti-Racism
What is Allyship
Allyship at work (Scenario)
Seven Forms of Allyship
Spheres of Influence
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Action Planning & Strategies to be Anti-racist
Please contact us if you’re interested. We’re glad to be able to support you in this important and timely work.
