When Black Lives Truly Matter, Business As Usual Isn't an Option
I'm exhausted and heartbroken--about George Floyd's murder, the fact that this is a continued pattern, and so much more.
I'd like nothing more than to have this be like any other "normal" workday (whatever that means these days.)
But it's the height of privilege to operate as if it's Business As Usual, so let's not.
To my white friends and colleagues: We are part of systems and power structures that reinforce the very inequities, inequality, and unfair treatment protested against over the weekend.
We can't compartmentalize. We can't take to the street in solidarity on Saturday then remain silent in the office on Monday.
We need to do our part during the work week, too. Every. single. day.
This doesn't mean adding something extra to your to-do list. You're already doing too much, so adding more on top is neither strategic nor sustainable.
I'm talking about doing things differently, consistently. I'm talking about looking at the work you're already doing, the people you're doing it with, and the results of that work then asking yourself whether it's contributing to real, lasting racial equity and structural change.
Jahmal Cole, a Chicago activist, says it best, "What's something simple I can do that will have a positive impact on my block?"
You can substitute "team," "community," or whatever word works for you instead of "block", but the idea is to take small meaningful action wherever you are right now...How diverse is your network? Do you know their stories? What are you doing to engage and actively lift people up? Where are you speaking up? How well do you know the values, beliefs, and policies of the businesses where you spend money?
We can all ask better questions and listen more. This takes no extra effort, only awareness.
I was surprised to learn this weekend that one of my friends really struggles with her identity.
Another friend shared that he couldn't speak out about his own point of view to a friendship group because his racial identity and experience isn't mainstream.
I learned these things because I asked different questions.
Listening is a great starting point, but it must lead to action.
I saw a lot of white people picking up broken glass and trash in our neighborhood last Sunday. I couldn't help but wonder where they were going to put that same energy on Monday morning...Spreadsheets? Or checking in on their Black colleagues, friends, and neighbors? Would they post videos of property destruction or ask the organization they work for about the plan to diversify their all-White male board of directors?
Just imagine what we could do if we channeled the energy, passion, and outrage shown over this past weekend into simple, daily actions to restructure the systems and organizations that brought us to this place.
Some systems and organizations will actively resist change (see Facebook).
That will be your opportunity to ask what you want your involvement with them to be. I worked for a big bank for years, so I understand the struggle of having positive experiences with the people of the institution while fundamentally disagreeing with the norms, values, and behaviors of the institution itself. You get to choose what role you want to play going forward.
(I’ll plug entrepreneurship here for the freedom it gives you to be choosy about who you work with, create the culture and environment you want, and infuse every action you take with your most cherished values and beliefs.)
Leadership is not a part-time gig. How, where, and when we show up matters.
It's about choosing what’s important to us every dang day. It’s about speaking up when we see something wrong or raising our hand when we have something to contribute. It's about having honest, important conversations--even if they're uncomfortable. It's about creating environments where everyone learns and grows. It's about building a business or career where we thrive so the people we touch do the same.
If that's not a meaningful career and life, I don't know what is.
I wish I had better answers right now. I don't. But I commit to not reinforcing the status quo. Because the status quo is not working, and we ALL suffer as a result.
I'm sure I haven't worded this as well as I could have or said everything that needs to be said. I thought it was more important to say something, however imperfect. Share your questions, comments, and input as to how I can support you and what I can do better.
What's something simple you’ll commit to doing today, tomorrow, and each day hereafter to have a positive impact?
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Author Bio:
Before becoming a coach, Caroline worked in management consulting and financial services. She's made it her mission to help people grow, contribute, and get wherever they want to go.
She’s also a tennis fanatic, aspiring Minimalist, FIRE (Financial Independence and Retire Early) enthusiast, and Aloha Spirit seeker 🤙. She loves to share stories from her unconventional life and career focused on freedom, creativity, fun, health, family, and community. If she can do it, you can, too.
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