How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race

Practical Tools for Necessary Change in the Workplace and Beyond

Kwame Christian

• Publisher: BenBella Books
• Year: 2022
• eBook ISBN:
  9781637741313
• Topic: Personal Development
• Subtopic: Workplace Culture

If we want a more equitable workplace—and a more equitable world—we have to talk to each other about race.

But, for so many of us, that’s easier said than done.

When we avoid conversations about race, it’s often because of fear: fear of discomfort, or of damaging important relationships; fear of being misunderstood, “canceled,” ostracized.

Negotiation expert Kwame Christian’s motto is: "The best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations." How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race equips you with the skills you need to make these crucial conversations both easier and more productive. You’ll not only gain the confidence to talk about race, but also learn how to actually make a difference when you do.

Whether you’re looking to create change for yourself and other BIPOC, or are a white ally seeking to support your coworkers or clients, you’ll learn how to:

Overcome your internal barriers to talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Work around others’ barriers to productive discussion.

Be strategic about the outcome you want and guide the conversation accordingly.

Use “Compassionate Curiosity” to connect and persuade.

Avoid common mistakes.

Tackle some of the most common race-related conversations that come up in the workplace.

If you’ve ever struggled to turn your passion for change into persuasion or been too afraid to speak up at work (or outside of it), this book is for you. The first step toward lasting social change is productive discussion. With How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race, you’ll never shy away from those crucial conversations again.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Introduction
• Part One: The Problem
• Part Two: The Solution
• Part Three: Taking Action
• Appendix: The Advocate’s Playbook: Handling Common Race-Related Scenarios at Work
• Endnotes
• Index
• About the Author