By Glenn Singleton—May 18, 2023
Courageous Conversation® is a framework developed to help organizations do just that. It is designed to be flexible and adaptable to any industry and can be used by organizations of any size in any location. The protocol is built on the belief that to create an inclusive and equitable workplace, we must first understand and acknowledge how race impacts our experiences and opportunities.
One of the critical components of Courageous Conversation® is a structured dialogue process I refer to as the Protocol. This process provides a safe and supportive space for people to share their perspectives and race-related experiences. It is also designed to encourage active listening and mutual understanding and help people identify and take action to address racial disparities in the workplace. This process allows individuals to share their racial beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and acts and helps them learn from each other.
Another critical aspect is the emphasis on accountability using a strategy called the Framework. This includes both personal and organizational accountability for addressing racial disparities. The Framework encourages individuals to take personal responsibility for their learning and growth and encourages organizations to establish and implement policies and practices that promote racial equity. This is important because when people take personal responsibility, they are more likely to take professional action. Also, when organizations promote racial equity, it creates a better work environment for all employees, regardless of race.
I have seen Courageous Conversation® implemented successfully in various industries, including education, healthcare, media, and government. For example, in education, the Protocol and Framework have been used to address racial disparities in student achievement and to help educators understand and address how race impacts their students’ experiences and opportunities. In healthcare, they have been used to address racial disparities in health outcomes and to help healthcare providers understand and address how race impacts their patients’ experiences and opportunities. These examples illustrate how Courageous Conversation® can address specific issues in different industries and help create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
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