Action Step # 17. Pitch your solution

Do you wonder why I amplify anti-Black racism? It is because of the amount of opportunity that exists to change the level of equity for African American adults and kids. While everyone else finds it easy to focus on anti bias and women and this or that, we still have leaders who do not acknowledge Juneteenth, George Floyd and issues facing current Black talent in their own spaces. I honor each group's issues that need to be addressed, but there is this nagging missed opportunity when we fail to acknowledge the reason for a lot of the change that has happened. That's why I keep this issue alive. Now with that said, one of the most enjoyable parts of my work is pitching the solution to racism problems. DEIB spiked in 2020 to address issues related to racism and Black talent. The issues ranged from lack of Black talent to ill treatment of Black talent to being unable to retain Black talent. On my end, I get the opportunity to audit, train and/or speak about solutions. I am an extrovert so it comes easier for me to pitch to powerful leaders who simply want to know what to do. What I'm really wondering is whether you pitch solutions for antiracism and DEIB where you are.

While it is true I am listened to because I have a level of expertise. But I am also listened to because I have a consistent track record of speaking up, advocating and pitching solutions every single time. I want you to know that pitching solutions, when done at the micro level will have macro impact. Read that again. Leaders want to hear from you and you should not be afraid to speak up. You already get paid to bring solutions everyday already so why not bring solutions that involve course correcting equity for Black talent that is currently at your job or the ones that should be there.

Over the past 2 years, I have come to understand that some of you who may not sit in the seat of a board member, HR or CEO may not believe you can create any type of change. I know this because employees reach out to me for help. I also know that some of you are introverts and it does not come easy for you. Even Shonda Rhimes spoke about her being nervous and sweating during her original pitch for Grey's Anatomy. Can you believe that? Yet, I believe you can pitch solutions in your space of employment. Don't think so? Well, let me change your mind.

Why must you do it? You are in a seat of power. You have first hand knowledge of what is happening in your space of work. You know who the influencers are and you know how they operate. Equally important, you know the real issues Black talent in your space is experiencing. Yes, you do. For example, when you see your co-worker passed over for a promotion, talked over in a meeting, or be denied to lead a project you have a huge opportunity to do something about it.

What must you do? Look for where there is the biggest gap for Black talent. Dig deep to determine which impacts your current teammates the most. Let's see the evident ones are attracting, sourcing, recruiting, onboarding, developing, paying, and promoting. The not so evident ones that you may not readily observe are microaggressions, flat out racist comments, racial harassment, ignored input, inequitable work hours, failure to gain access to meetings, etc. Need I go on? Consider asking your co-workers what has been their experience and advocate together.

How can you do it? Data seems to drive the discussion toward change these days. So use data to drive the discussions in your 1:1 meetings and team meetings. Present your own data to show the impact of racism and state the solution that you are also willing to own. For example, when you are in a meeting and equity is not on the agenda, remind team members of the antiracist statement (if they have one). If they do not, remind them of the core value that antiracism falls in. When these data points do not change from week to week and month to month, you can use email and reports to address it. Truthfully, unless you are an outside consultant or Chief Diversity Officer, White people speaking up still carries more weight than just 1 Black person alone. Use your power to pose a solution that will support so many.

When should you do it? Everyday. Just like my enslaved ancestors toiled land everyday for your ancestors, pitching your solutions will bring change on the day to day problems we face. It leads to hiring new Black talent, hearing Black talent voices, promoting current Black talent, moving the benefits of allyship and so much more.

Side note. If you do not have Black people in your space, then begin by recommending and recruiting us to your hiring manager. Do you have the direct email to send a LinkedIn profile or resume? Of course, you do. Then take that step.

Connection Question: When was the last time you presented 1 solution to help 1 Black colleague at work?

Action Step. Pitch your solution

The Equity Source is the space that turns likes into action and viewers into doers. I am LaTonya Davis and I drive change through speaking and the power of the pen. Email me at [email protected] or visit TonyaDavis.com for my podcast and products.