春节黄金周：洛阳旅游亮点荟萃、惠民利民

Today I'm writing to school (and organizational) leaders. You know you need to say something about the murder of George Floyd and the protests. But maybe you worry about “offending” people. Or you worry you won’t say the right thing.

Don’t waste your energy with those concerns. Not now. It’s likely that some people will feel like you said the wrong thing. Speak anyway. In ten years, look back at this time and be glad you said something. Even if it wasn’t perfect or right. Even if some people didn’t like it.

Let’s put aside the general what-you-say about George Floyd’s murder and police brutality and protests. Yes, you should say something because you’re a leader and a human being. And that’s part of your responsibility to your staff and community right now. The other part is to check in with staff.

Here are some questions to ask your people:

If you identify as white (or not black) you might feel uncomfortable asking these questions to your black staff. Ask them anyway.

If you’re black, then supporting staff (especially non-black staff) at this time might feel like a double or triple burden. You may be using a lot of energy just to get through these days and take care of your immediate responsibilities. Reach out to your black staff, check in on them, and perhaps give yourself a pass for a few days - because even though you are the school (or organizational) leader, and yes, you have a responsibility to care for your people, you are also a human being and you get a pass sometimes. Right now is a time to give yourself a pass.

We’ve all got a lot to learn if we’re going to transform our schools, and our world. Perhaps we’re at a tipping point right now - in the middle of a pandemic, with our economy collapsing, at the start of summer, in the wake of another state-approved lynching. How do you want to remember yourself as a leader? How will you lead your community toward justice and liberation?

If you are looking for help refining your leadership skills, we're here to help. This is a good place to start.