Racism is Boring and Inefficient: Leadership's Role in Unlearning It

As leaders, one of the most critical tasks we face today is addressing the deeply ingrained systems that hold our organizations and communities back—racism and white supremacy. These aren’t just societal issues; they’re inefficiencies that impact the way we lead, make decisions, and create inclusive environments.

In my new project, Unracist Yourself, I’ve been diving into how racism not only distorts our relationships but also inhibits growth and progress at every level—personal, professional, and organizational. The truth is, racism is boring and inefficient, and it’s time we address it with the same rigor we bring to other leadership challenges.

Leadership and the Work of Unlearning

Leadership isn’t just about leading others. True leadership starts with leading yourself. As leaders, we must constantly examine our own beliefs, biases, and behaviors. Racism and white supremacy aren’t just “out there”—they’re internalized, and it’s on us to unlearn them in order to create thriving, equitable spaces.

If you’re ready to start taking real, actionable steps toward this work, I invite you to explore more in my Substack post, Unracist Yourself: Racism is Boring and Inefficient.

Racism is Costly and Inefficient

When we examine racism through a leadership lens, we see that it does more than cause harm—it creates inefficiencies that drag down our progress. Whether it manifests as workplace inequities, systemic biases in decision-making, or misalignment in organizational culture, racism holds us back from the innovative, inclusive leadership that today’s world requires.

This isn’t just a moral argument—it’s a strategic one. Leaders who recognize and dismantle internalized racism in themselves and their organizations pave the way for more efficient, productive, and inclusive environments. If we fail to address these issues head-on, we’re wasting potential—our own and that of the people we lead.

For more on how to start this work and practical steps you can take, check out my latest Substack post here: UnracistYourself.

Call-to-Action: This work of unlearning starts with us as leaders, but it has ripple effects across our teams and communities. If you're curious about how to take the next step, I encourage you to dive deeper into these ideas and join me in this important conversation over at Unracist Yourself.

Let’s explore together how we can lead not just with intention, but with the kind of impact that dismantles inefficiency and fosters growth for all.