Page 25 - RACE HEALER Mag Volume 1

RACE A LEADER’S ROLE

By: Milagros Phillips

“It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that Race is one of those things that is hidden just beneath the surface
you begin to change, grow, and transform.” ― Roy T. Bennett of your organization’s policies and procedures. It is in the biases
of your managers and your supervisors, and it affects everything
Race in the organization is one of those topics that stumps many in your organization, from hiring to firing. It affects who is men-
leaders. Is it my job as a leader to raise the topic? Will this cause tored by whom, who gets promoted and how long the promotion
me a problem? Will my board approve? Is it really an issue in our cycle takes, and it affects your bottom line.
organization? After all, we are a highly diverse organization, with
an active diversity and inclusion team. We honor Black History
month, and we are doing all the right things. Race is not an issue As your organization’s leader, it’s up to you to have a conscious
in our organization, or so it would seem. Ask your employees, awareness of how race impacts your organization. No matter how
and you may get a very different view, especially when you ask much you have done to advance the diversity, equity, and inclu-
your employees of color. sion program in your company, if you do not address race, it will
keep raising its head, most often in unpleasant ways, till you meet
it head on.

So, how do you address race in a way that leads to equity and
healthy work relationships?
• Be willing to lead with race –– Look at the various ways that
race is affecting your organization. Be willing to lead the con-
versation on race.
• Ask questions of your employees –– Find out how race may
be impacting their work.
• Be willing to listen –– As a leader your time may be limited,

but this is worth your time and focus. Listen.
• Attend seminars and programs to enhance your race literacy
and share what you learn with your employees. When a leader
paves the way to equity the employees usually follow.

Get to know the author

Milagros Phillips is a speaker and the author of “11 Reasons to Become Race
Literate, a Pocket Guide to a New Conversation,” and “8 Essen- tials to a Race

Conversation & Manual to a New Dialogue.” She has been facilitating race

seminars for more than two decades. Milagros is the creator of Race Healer TV,
Magazine, and Podcast. She may be reached at info@milagrosphillips.com

www.MilagrosPhillips.com