Weekly abstract: Combating racial injustice at work, suggestions for returning to work, and listening successfully in distant conferences

Welcome to my weekly summary of the best of the latest leadership and communication blog posts I've seen recently. As we move through the COVID 19 pandemic and social crises, we wanted to share some of the most thoughtful and compelling resources so that you, as leaders, can respond courageously and compassionately, and take positive action as an organization.

This week's blog and blog post on leadership and communication:

• Leadership: The antidote to racial injustice
  By Alaina Love (@workwithpassion via @SmartBrief and @SBLeaders), SmartBrief
  
  Get 5 steps you can implement immediately to tackle racial injustices and improve I&D in your company.

  "What is the playbook for managers who navigate through these topics with their teams? There is no. Combating racial injustice and improving inclusion and diversity in your organization are more than just a mandatory playbook. What is needed is a lasting change in mindset that leads to real change… "
  Read more >>

• Do not be silent: expert tips for alleviating tensions in the workplace
  By Nancy Cleeland (@ncleeland via @SHRM), SHRM

  How HR can help you understand employee perspectives on racial injustices, listen to each other, provide a forum for exchange of views, and offer counseling resources.

  "In times of high emotions and polarization, it is difficult to know how or whether to address the feelings of anger, despair, or frustration that can arise among employees in the workplace. But it would be a mistake for business leaders and managers to remain silent, said Eric Ellis, a longtime consultant for diversity and inclusion … "
  Read more >>

• An 8-point discussion guide for developing a coronavirus return plan
  From Dana Brownlee to Forbes (@Forbes), Forbes
  
  Develop your return plan using these recommended focus areas and samples of related guide questions.

  "Virtually every company is focused on finding out when and how they can get back to work in the midst of this novel coronavirus pandemic. While many have chosen to continue working from home for long periods of time (until 2020 or possibly permanently), most are grappling with the question of what a return to work will look like in this new era… "
  Read more >>

• How to be a good listener in remote meetings
  By Deborah G. Riegel (@DeborahGRiegel via @Inc), Inc.

  Active listening is an invaluable tool. Whether you have years of experience or new skills, this article reinforces the why and how to be a good listener.

  "Regardless of whether you connect to your colleagues by phone or video, it is difficult to replicate the personal connection of a personal meeting. We often miss the clues and clues each of us (consciously or subconsciously) sends to demonstrate commitment, attention, approval, disagreement, engagement, disinterest, and more… ”

Read more >>

• Commitment to equality and integration at the DHG
  By Dixon Hughes Goodman (@DHGLLP via @CEOAction), CEO Action

  In this compassionate statement, the DHG urges each of its team members to act courageously against the country's systemic inequalities and to work individually for positive changes.

  “Recent events in America have drawn our attention to the unsolved, centuries-old problems of racism and racial injustice. Our communities are suffering from the pain that has occurred in the past weeks and months, and it is a pain that many of our DHG team members undoubtedly feel … "
  Read more >>

What were some of the best resources you read this week?

– –David Grossman

To help executives and communicators guide and communicate with COVID-19 employees, we have developed a resource page with tips and strategies that we update regularly. Click below to get the resources.

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