It's Time to Talk about Race at Work

CHAPTER 9Answers to Tough Employee Questions and Racist Remarks

Now let's tackle how to respond to three of the most common—and difficult—questions an employee may ask when you are creating and launching your DE&I efforts. Understand that these questions usually come from someone who feels resentment or doesn't agree with the language or concepts around diversity. The root of resentment is that a person usually feels that something is not fair or right. Whether an employee resents your DE&I strategy or thinks it's a mistake or unnecessary, you should be clear that you're not asking the employee to change his or her beliefs. You expect all employees to accept the direction of the company, even if they don't agree with it.

THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS MADE BY EMPLOYEES RESISTANT TO DE&I CHANGE

“Shouldn't we just hire the most qualified person?”

Picture this: You and your team are having a meeting to discuss DE&I at your company or within your department. Everyone is mapping out next steps and action items. The topic of the meeting is how to effectively identify and recruit diverse talent for your team. The group is brainstorming on ways they can do outreach within diverse communities and how to “get the word out” that you have jobs and are looking for diverse applicants. And then someone on the team says, “Shouldn't we just hire the most qualified person?” The room falls completely silent. All eyes are on you. What do you say?

Before you respond, know that this question ...