In this episode of Race in the Workplace, Dr. Joanna Shoffner Scott and Anthony Armstrong continue this season’s leadership series called Let's Get REAL: Racial Equity for Adaptive Leaders. This week’s discussion explores how to plan for leadership transitions. As Joanna and Anthony unpack the complexities of leadership transitions, they discuss the opportunities and challenges accompanying these shifts, emphasizing the importance of mindful and equitable practices. Whether you're a leader preparing to transition out, stepping into a new leadership role, or just interested in how leadership changes impact racial equity initiatives within organizations, this episode is filled with thoughtful insights and practical guidance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Avoid Too Much Change at One Time

• Joanna and Anthony highlight the importance of gauging how much change staff can absorb at once. They caution against overwhelming staff with new equity initiatives during leadership transitions. Too much change at once can lead to increased stress and resistance when leaders need staff buy-in the most.

2. Incoming Leaders Experience Racialized Expectations

• The discussion addresses how the identity of incoming leaders affects organizational expectations and dynamics. Anthony and Joanna point out that new leaders (who are most often Black) face different and heightened staff expectations compared to their white counterparts. Anthony emphasized the need for white-identified leaders to acknowledge this dynamic and take a proactive role in disrupting harmful patterns as they emerge.

3. Build Honest and Respectful Relationships

• Joanna and Anthony underscore the importance of building trust and respect within teams, especially during times of transition. Joanna emphasizes authentic communication and respect for each team member's humanity. Establishing these principles creates a foundation for more equitable and supportive working conditions, regardless of the changes taking place within the organization.

Additional Resources:

[Podcast Episode] Supporting Executive Leaders of Color: A Conversation with Sean Thomas-Breitfeld | S2, Ep 12

To Take Action:

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About Your Host

Dr. Joanna Shoffner Scott is an organizational development consultant who helps leaders of nonprofits, philanthropies, and businesses create workplaces that work for everyone.