Coaching for Leaders

594: How to Begin Difficult Conversations About Race, with Kwame Christian

27 snips
Sep 12, 2022
Kwame Christian, a best-selling author and lawyer, shares his wealth of knowledge on engaging in difficult conversations about race. He discusses key strategies to tackle racially charged comments and promote inclusivity. Christian delves into emotional challenges and the negotiation skills necessary for meaningful dialogue. He introduces a three-step framework for these conversations and emphasizes the importance of preparation and allyship in fostering understanding. Practical tools are provided to navigate microaggressions and start impactful discussions.
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ANECDOTE

Kwame's Avoidance

  • Kwame Christian initially avoided racial conversations after feeling burnt out from social justice work.
  • He even blocked his wife's social media posts about racial issues, prioritizing his mental health.
ADVICE

Engage in Conversations

  • Address difficult conversations directly instead of avoiding them.
  • Engage, especially when your expertise and experience can uniquely contribute to the dialogue.
ANECDOTE

Explaining Away Racism

  • Kwame's friend, who is white, would often explain away or defend microaggressions.
  • They did this because they disliked racism and didn't want to admit its existence.
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