Give Credit For The Work Completed By Your Black Colleagues

This week’s challenge boils down to equitable attribution. Diversity and inclusion tend to be the two big topics in the DEI spotlight but let’s not continue to glance over equity, which in many ways could be considered the most critical. Equity is tied to some very real outcomes, like promotions, salaries, raises, and status. Often discussed in the context of pay and opportunity, equity is also relevant when it comes to attribution. What does a culture that values equitable attribution look like? It’s one where team members and managers call out their black colleagues’ accomplishments and contributions by name in meetings, emails, announcements, etc. It’s one where your black colleagues are positioned to speak to and own their ideas. It’s one where your black colleagues are given credit in their absence, especially in front of key decision makers. And it’s one where you correct others you witness trying to lay claim to the work you know was performed by a black colleague. Everyone has a part to play and if you claim to be committed to living the value of equity, this is an important way that you can show up.