How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race: Practical Tools for Necessary Change in the Workplace and Beyond

Kwame Christians' motto is "The best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations." How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race equips people with the skills to make these conversations easier and more productive, overcoming internal barriers and working around others' barriers. It uses "Compassionate Curiosity" to connect and persuade, and avoids common mistakes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2022
Publisher: BenBella Books

Negotiation expert Kwame Christians emphasizes the importance of engaging in difficult conversations about race to create a more equitable workplace and world. However, many people avoid these conversations due to fear, including discomfort, damage to relationships, misunderstandings, and the risk of being canceled or ostracized.

"How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race" provides valuable skills and strategies to facilitate these conversations effectively. Whether you are a person of color seeking to advocate for yourself and your community or a white ally seeking to support your BIPOC colleagues or clients, this book will help you overcome internal barriers to discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It will also guide you in navigating around other barriers to productive discussion and achieving your desired outcomes.

One key approach is "Compassionate Curiosity," which involves connecting with others on a deeper level and demonstrating genuine interest in their perspectives. This can help build trust and create an environment where meaningful conversations can take place. The book also offers practical tips and techniques to avoid common mistakes in these conversations, such as avoiding blame, interrupting, or defensive behavior.

Effective communication is crucial in these discussions, particularly in the context of remote work or virtual meetings. The book provides guidance on communicating over email, which can be challenging due to the lack of non-verbal cues and facial expressions. It emphasizes the importance of being clear, concise, and respectful in your communication to ensure that your message is understood and appreciated.

Ultimately, "How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race" empowers individuals to speak up and advocate for change, regardless of their background or position. By approaching these conversations with courage and conviction, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Weight: 395g
Dimension: 235 x 159 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781637741306