So many of us (old heads who have either survived or exited academia) did so through trial and error, luck, allies, or a combination of the 3. What inspired me was a conversation with a colleague who stated that she had not yet learned how to sugarcoat what she had to say. She talked about how being a BIPOC woman seemed to be threatening to certain male colleagues and a source of jealousy for certain female colleagues. In the environment ruled by policies that marginalize certain individuals and where certain individuals endure microaggressions questioning their qualifications and credentials, self-protection and jealousy are just interpersonal frustrations that are straws breaking the camel’s back.
Survival seems like a valid approach to living within this environment. But I believe you can thrive. You just need to comprehend what thriving looks like as a first step to implementing that reality. Otherwise, you will sit back and become the person who advocates vehemently for others while attempting to “play the game,” “sugarcoat,” “play nice,” “compromise,” or code word “collaborate.” None of these feel genuine and your well-being suffers accordingly. Another option exists.
Another way exists with systematic and revolutionary impact. It is a simple 3-part balance of work, life, values, and intention. It is expressed with enough flow to be quickly understood and customized:
- Seek Peace
- Leverage the Benefits
- Build Your Alternative Structure
Allow me to introduce each of them prior to an in-depth discussion of each.
Peace is the only thing that matters. Do not go into your work with the intention of martyrdom, and do not accept the role of martyr when it is inevitably offered to you in sacrifice for any greater good. What doesn’t kill you can cripple you and send you jaded into obscurity. That is not the only outcome when standing up to oppression. However, it can feel that way. The solution is to reorient yourself to what truly matters—the reality that will last beyond this employment experience.
It may seem like there is only the grind, and there are even t-shirts that support this notion. However, I am here to tell you that there are also "the benefits." Consider the status, privileges, and access you gain from the position you hold and the perceptions of your ability. Instead of constantly looking up seeking respect, cast your gaze parallel and below to see the pride and relief on the faces of those who see you and can now realistically aspire to new heights. You are in a position to comprehend and create ladder rungs for others. Additionally, you are in a position to leverage these benefits in service of your peace and what truly matters. Don’t leave employer contributions, flex options, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, insurance, employee discounts, free passes, memberships, or other perks on the table. Rather, enjoy them to enhance your balance, enjoyment, and peace. This will result in greater and sustained productivity.
We have been taught not to leave. "Change the institution from the inside." However, this is a lie wrapped in a fallacy, masquerading as a principle. Your approach should be to build alternative power structures within the institution that reach outside the institution to undeniably confirm your expertise and influence. This is how you address the challenge to your credibility and the challenge to your legitimacy. You do not need to defend yourself and play their game. Instead, you must develop yourself and allow outsiders to sing your praises. This is the truth of working four times harder for the same things that others get handed to them. The four times refers to: 1) doing what is required, 2) adding your flavor and creating a niche, 3) connecting with and beyond the outlets and markets set as standard, and 4) connecting with funding that enables you to institutionalize your values of equity and inclusion. This is how you create change within institutions - by becoming revenue generators who can make their own rules as a pushback against inequity and oppression.
If you are a BIPOC educator, manager, or executive who recognizes the need for reframing the challenges and reorienting to the options, consider scheduling time with Dr. Michael A. Wright. Through this, you can gain a path to peace, plan for leverage, and structure for productivity and impact. Remember that you are strong, wise, and gifted because you seek help. This introduction is a partial chapter from a coaching sequence, book, and training series on Access, Equity, and Inclusion. Feel free to ask about it.
