Why do you think this capable, talented woman needs you to rescue her from a position for which she willingly applied? It’s condescending to assume she won’t be able to handle your office culture. How can I help her feel supported and help her to thrive, even as I know both the organization and I have lots more to do? (I regret to say I thought of them as “difficult.”) I know now that this is a function of my own internalized racism and cultural expectations, but am unsure about what I should do differently to become a better manager and co-worker - to this woman and all the people of color I work with. Second, I’ve struggled with the Black women I’ve collaborated closely with in the past. I know from her social media presence that she’s quite outspoken on issues of race, which I think would be great for our organization - but potentially really draining for her. I’m worried that if she takes the job she’ll grow frustrated at our still not very “woke” culture and the pace of change. It worked! The unquestionably best person for the job is a Black woman. I’m hiring for a relatively junior position and have put a fair amount of work into recruiting a diverse pool of candidates.
I’m a white woman in middle management at a somewhat stodgy nonprofit that has been grappling with doing more to advance racial equity. Include your name and location, or a request to remain anonymous. Send questions about the office, money, careers and work-life balance to.
