Over the past month several friends and colleagues shared stories with me about how they are being treated in their jobs by those in leadership roles. Initially, I thought, you probably did something to annoy your boss. After hearing the same story over and over again, I realised that this behaviour was not a coincidence.
To my surprise, the seven people that shared their heart wrenching stories with me were all women of colour. Each story was similar to the last story. It felt like someone had prepared a script, the same script to be read to me. As the warning bell started to ring in my head, it became clear to me that much work is needed in the field of equality and how women are treated in the workforce. After working over the years with each of these women, I am confident in saying they have always been hard workers and extremely competent in their roles. Yet, they are having difficult times dealing with new managers with less experience, if any, that are trying to eliminate them. All of these women live in different states in America and are not acquainted with one another, yet each story is almost identical.
After long conversations with each of them, the work harassments all seem to revolve around issues of discrimination, racism, and envy. Many have put up a major fight while others sip a cup of poisoned tea that makes them believe they are not worthy enough. The hardest task was convincing them of the lies and deceit used to destroy qualified staff people, simply because of the colour of their skin. Welcome to the land of racism and hatred. It has been with us as long as I have been alive and it's not going anywhere. Each and every year a new and improved model of racism is released like a new Cadillac or Mercedes-Benz.
So how do you survive? Racial discrimination is a global issue that has been an ongoing and commonly ignored problem. Staying silent has proven to be deadly, making one complicit in the system of oppression. 2020 and 2021 have proven to be historical years surrounding the COVID pandemic, the countless police murders of Black and Brown people, and the lack of being held accountable for their actions. We can survive by keeping the conversation about racism on the table, spreading awareness and by including anti-racism in our values, training and actions. Trust me, this may not be enough if honesty and sincerity is missing from the ranks of leadership.
It's not easy, but it's important to start believing in yourself; believing in who you are. No one can take that away from you. Planning next steps is key to writing your next chapter in life. I am proud to say that all of these women made sound decisions at the right time to redirect their lives and focus on something better. Four of them have resigned from their positions and found better employment elsewhere in corporations that appreciate and encourage intelligent workers, regardless of their skin colour, gender, type of hair or their eye colour. Several have started their own successful businesses. The others are strategically planning their departure to a better place.
Be aware that often when something negative occurs in one's life, it's not a bad thing, but can be a push to get you to greatness. Life has taught me that it's not necessary to understand the reasons someone may display hatred, jealousy or even racism; their opinion really isn't important on the path to joy, happiness, wellbeing and success. Believe it or not, we all have the power to do and become whatever our heart desires.
Often the road gets tough for all of us and we seem to lose our way. Never be afraid to ask a trusted friend for help or just follow the yellow brick road that will lead you back to your center. You will be surprised by the lessons and people you will meet along the way. Safe travels on your adventure.
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