Some Final Things To Think About
Here are a few more things to think about, if you decide to make a race-based complaint at work. We’re up to #7:
7) Give serious consideration to your choice of words because your words can come back to haunt you. Any common expression in the English language can be manipulated into some other warped translation that can be used against you. If you know you are going to attend a meeting about a race-based issue, prepare a list of talking points as if you were preparing for a press conference and fielding questions from a skeptical media. Write down the issues you want to hit on and the specific points you want to make. Don’t leave this to chance…think about what you want to say and the best way to say it!
8) Think about being “Dr. Phil’ed.” If you’re making a race-based complaint, don’t be surprised if you’re treated like you’re on a shrink’s couch. Be prepared to hear critical analysis of your psyche and inner most thoughts as if the strangers you work with know you better than you know yourself. Be prepared to hear claims that “We know you’re very…” and “Everyone thinks you are…” that are not supported by any facts—just alleged perceptions. Speaking of perceptions, remember that perceptions ARE NOT reality—no matter how much everyone pretends they are! Reality is reality.
9) Think about how you will cope with possibly becoming a pariah at work. If you rock the boat, some of your coworkers—even other Black workers—may decide they want to toss you overboard. You may find your lunch buddies ignoring you. Everyone may be in a meeting or going to a meeting, when you approach their cubicle or office. Coworkers may take the stairs, instead of sharing the elevator with you. You get the picture. Make sure you have a strong network of friends outside of your job because your work friends may be fair-weather friends. You can email these outside of work friends from your Internet account. Keep in mind, your employer may be recording your computer keystrokes. If you call your outside friends, do it from your cell phone and not the office phone. Keep the calls quick and discreet--even if that means stepping outside for a few minutes.
7) Give serious consideration to your choice of words because your words can come back to haunt you. Any common expression in the English language can be manipulated into some other warped translation that can be used against you. If you know you are going to attend a meeting about a race-based issue, prepare a list of talking points as if you were preparing for a press conference and fielding questions from a skeptical media. Write down the issues you want to hit on and the specific points you want to make. Don’t leave this to chance…think about what you want to say and the best way to say it!
8) Think about being “Dr. Phil’ed.” If you’re making a race-based complaint, don’t be surprised if you’re treated like you’re on a shrink’s couch. Be prepared to hear critical analysis of your psyche and inner most thoughts as if the strangers you work with know you better than you know yourself. Be prepared to hear claims that “We know you’re very…” and “Everyone thinks you are…” that are not supported by any facts—just alleged perceptions. Speaking of perceptions, remember that perceptions ARE NOT reality—no matter how much everyone pretends they are! Reality is reality.
9) Think about how you will cope with possibly becoming a pariah at work. If you rock the boat, some of your coworkers—even other Black workers—may decide they want to toss you overboard. You may find your lunch buddies ignoring you. Everyone may be in a meeting or going to a meeting, when you approach their cubicle or office. Coworkers may take the stairs, instead of sharing the elevator with you. You get the picture. Make sure you have a strong network of friends outside of your job because your work friends may be fair-weather friends. You can email these outside of work friends from your Internet account. Keep in mind, your employer may be recording your computer keystrokes. If you call your outside friends, do it from your cell phone and not the office phone. Keep the calls quick and discreet--even if that means stepping outside for a few minutes.
Labels: documentation, filing complaints, stereotypes, tips and strategies
posted by S. Mary Wills at 5:15 PM
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