🗣 You Ask: How can I hold my company accountable without being seen as difficult or demanding?

I’m the only Black woman in my company and I’m disheartened to see no response from the company or anyone in a leadership position about the Black Lives Matter movement. How can I hold them accountable to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace without putting myself in a position where I could be seen as difficult or demanding?

– Hustle Crew Member

Hi! Abadesi here. Unfortunately the likeability penalty is real, and it’s true that as women, especially Black women in the workplace, whenever we behave in a way that’s not agreeable and amiable, statistics show we are likely to face a penalty. Your dilemma is a tough one. It’s not your job to lead on diversity and inclusion within your company but as the only Black woman it seems as though you are the only person invested in following social justice issues and how they affect the workplace. This is a shame given the number of studies that show the commercial benefits of diversity.

My advice is to think in the short term and long term. In the short term, who is incentivised to support you? It may be worthwhile to let your line manager know that your productivity is being impacted because you have concerns about the company’s lack of response to BLM. Perhaps it’s making it difficult to navigate conversations with concerned customers and clients. In the long term, consider if this work environment is right for you. Over the years I’ve come to realize – often as a result of traumatic personal experiences – that I thrive in places where I have psychological safety, where I can be who I really am and feel supported in my work and in my identity.

Got a Question?

F.A.Qs

You start with the foundation training which consists of one 30 minute video, followed by 6 bite size videos. You can then do the intermediate training which is made up of 18 bite size videos. Finally, you can do the advanced training which is made up of 8 longer videos.

You can access each module from the homepage via the buttons that say foundation, intermediate and advanced.

No. All our modules are self paced so you can take as long as you like. 

You need to complete each training module and submit your google worksheet which can be found on the individual module page. Once submitted, our team will review your worksheet and issue out a certificate if you have passed. If you have passed, you will receive a graduation pack which contains a certificate, social imagery so you can show off to your colleagues and connections on LinkedIn plus some other goodies.

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You can submit your Google form worksheet via the module page.

No. Only the worksheet is reviewed and marked. 

You can use the cheat sheet to get a better understanding of the different types of biases people face in the workplace, but also IRL.

We will share an overview of how many people have enrolled and completed the course, but we will never share private information such as names, titles or email addresses.

Yes! Each module has its own worksheet which is a Google form. 

We will send you detailed instructions along with suggested social copy and imagery which can be used on LinkedIn and Instagram. This will be sent to you in an email from our team once you have passed the foundation module.

If you fail, you will have the option of submitting your worksheet again until all the answers are correct. Don’t worry, you can take the course again for free and resubmit your worksheets.

 

Please email hello@hustlecrew.co and a member of the team will get back to you within 72 hours.

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