Welcome to Leading-Within Wednesdays. Once a month, I will share a little bit about one of the 10 competencies introduced in my book, Leading Within Systems of Inequity in Education: A Liberation Guide for Leaders of Color.
This month….
Engage in Authentic Dialogue
This month we move from individual competencies to interpersonal competencies- those interactions with others that we need in our work.
I remember when I began having consistent individual conversations about race with folks who doubted ideas around systemic racism, white dominant culture and racism. I would leave exhausted because I felt like I had failed if the conversation didn’t end with the other person promising to change their behavior.
I admire my Gilmara in Des Moines, IA because she has a true skill set in talking to others and I appreciate her reminding me that the ending a conversation with both parties willing to continue the conversation is a WIN! Convincing someone to believe what you believe isn’t always the goal and shouldn’t always be the goal but the willingness to keep talking and listen to each other is so incredibly important.
A reflection question for you to think about this competency:
How do I set realistic expectations for the conversations I am having?
More explanation of this competency, how to practice it, and additional reflection questions and resources are in Chapter 3. Two study guides are also available on the ASCD website - one for leaders of color and one for white co-conspirators.
See you next month, when I give a brief overview of Competency #6: Attend to Relationships.
How to Continue to Support Leading-Within:
Go to Amazon and rate or review the book there! Reviews are a great way for others to see that this book is worth the time to read.
Post about the book on social media using the hashtag #leadingwithin. Even better if it includes a picture of you WITH the book!
Host a book club with your affinity/ERG group. Two study guides are also available on the ASCD website - one for leaders of color and one for white co-conspirators that are perfect for starting a group conversation. For book clubs with participants who have purchased and committed to reading the book, please reach out to me so I can support your journey!
Connect with me to speak to your organization or group about topics covered in the book, like ‘practicing love and rage’, ‘building a coalition’, and ‘taking a stand’.
If this is your first time reading, please go back and read my Introductions post.
Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think. If you like it, please share it with your network!