Ep 022 with Gina Greenlee and Margaret Greenberg
Advancing racial equity starts in the workplace, and today, we learn about the tone leadership can set for greater change. In this episode of What’s Possible, I had the pleasure of speaking with Gina Greenlee and Margaret Greenberg, who co-authored the book “The Business of Race.” Together, they provide actionable strategies for fostering crucial conversations and reshaping organizational culture to promote racial equity.
Drawing from over two decades of shared work experience, Gina and Margaret offer profound insights into why workplaces serve as pivotal arenas for fostering discussions on equity and inclusion. After the tragic murder of George Floyd, Gina and Margaret felt compelled to spark conversations about race that were sorely lacking in many organizations.
The Business of Race
“The Business of Race,” authored by Gina Greenlee and Margaret Greenberg, delves into the critical intersection of race and the workplace. Drawing from their extensive professional experiences and personal insights, the authors provide a comprehensive exploration of how race impacts organizational dynamics, culture, and success.
Through a combination of research, case studies, and practical strategies, the book offers readers valuable insights into the complexities of race in the workplace and equips them with the tools and knowledge needed to foster greater equity, inclusion, and belonging.
From understanding the systemic barriers that perpetuate racial disparities to implementing actionable steps for change, “The Business of Race” serves as a vital resource for leaders, HR professionals, and individuals committed to driving meaningful progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within their organizations.
Inspiring Organizational Change
Gina and Margaret emphasize that the workplace is an ideal setting for addressing issues of race and inclusion. Organizations have a responsibility to create environments where all employees feel valued, respected, and included, regardless of their race or ethnicity. This requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing systemic barriers to equity, including biases in hiring, promotion, and performance evaluation processes.
While unconscious bias training has become a common practice in many organizations, Gina and Margaret caution against viewing it as a silver bullet solution. While such training can raise awareness of biases, it must be accompanied by broader organizational change efforts to be effective. This includes implementing policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the organization. It also involves fostering a culture of accountability, where employees are empowered to speak up about instances of bias and discrimination.
Actionable Steps Leaders Can Take Today
To drive meaningful change, leaders must take proactive steps to address racial equity in the workplace. Gina and Margaret offer several actionable strategies for leaders to consider:
Foster open dialogue: Encourage open and honest conversations about race and inclusion in the workplace. Create spaces where employees feel comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives.
Examine policies and practices: Take a critical look at organizational policies and practices to identify areas where biases may be present. Implement changes to promote equity and fairness in areas such as hiring, promotion, and performance evaluation.
Provide education and training: Offer education and training opportunities for employees to learn about issues of race, bias, and privilege. Provide resources and support for employees to deepen their understanding of these topics and become allies in the fight for racial equity.
Amplify diverse voices: Ensure that diverse voices are represented and heard within the organization. Actively seek out opportunities to amplify the voices of employees from underrepresented groups and create platforms for them to share their experiences and perspectives.
Commit to ongoing learning and improvement: Recognize that advancing racial equity is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning and improvement. Stay informed about current issues and best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and be willing to adapt and evolve your approach over time.
Creating a New Future in Our Workplaces
As organizations grapple with the imperative of advancing racial equity, the insights shared by Gina Greenlee and Margaret Greenberg offer valuable guidance for leaders seeking to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
By fostering open dialogue, examining policies and practices, providing education and training, amplifying diverse voices, and committing to ongoing learning and improvement, leaders can drive meaningful change and create environments where all employees can thrive.
Want to have a deeper conversation about how to implement these steps? Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
