Conversations about race in the workplace are not comfortable, especially for attorneys trained to analyze facts, debate, and point out flaws in arguments. Executive coach Rudhir Krishtel, formerly senior counsel at Apple, offers steps to help attorneys deepen their understanding of challenges others face and work toward meaningful next steps to meaningful change.
Finding it hard to dialogue about race at work? As we awaken further to the uncomfortable truths about systemic racism in our communities and workplaces, we may find it challenging to have these difficult conversations.
It’s no surprise. We’ve never really learned how to do it effectively. In the past, we may have avoided these conversations or engaged unskillfully. That option is no longer available. As one data point, lawyers are currently only required to fulfill minimal continuing education requirements for eliminating bias in the legal profession (in California, it’s one hour every three years). We have a responsibility to learn to navigate these dialogues with openness and effectiveness.
