I feel encouraged by efforts being made in corporations to root out anti-blackness. We see the slogans and hear about the plans for increased education in diversity and inclusion and for programs to recruit people of color and ensure they have equal opportunities for advancement. While these efforts are extremely important, it is my opinion they only start the process. What I believe to be missing is a focus on the internal work people need to do to address their assumptions, beliefs and biases about race. This work is essential because our actions spring from the inside out.

As your organization develops its response to racism, make sure this internal work is part of the plan. And if you want help thinking through this approach, please contact me. I have diagnostic tools such as the Cultural Deep Dive© and the Negative Communication Loop©. These exercises facilitate the process of people looking into the mirror — they gain an understanding of their current behaviors and the work they need to do on themselves so they can truly effect the desired change.