Looking after yourself in the workplace, advice for the BAME community

Yogita
•
4 mins read

I have been reflecting on my own coaching practice and the people I help overcome issues related to their ethnicity. Gender or cultural background should not form the basis of negative judgments regarding ability, yet too often, my clients tell me this remains a stigma associated with their appearance. When was the last time you were asked;

  • “Where are you from?” (I get asked this all the time)
  • Then the question... “Where are you really from?”
  • I reply, “I was born in England”. Then there is a pause and a look of bemusement.
  • I ask, “Do you mean what is my ethnic origin?”
  • “Ah yes, Doctor. That’s what I meant…”

What can you do about it?

  • Be honest with yourself and acknowledge your emotions and how this might be affecting you.
  • Remain curious by approaching the subject with individuals to establish their intention behind the comments or behaviour.
  • Investigate the organisational values and policies by which they operate, and when necessary, question or challenge their approach to these situations.
  • Suggest or initiate a team awareness exercise, for example, a 360 evaluation or feedback to evoke self-discovery and increase self-awareness, bringing about a positive shift in mindset.
  • Explore your options, gain advice and support from a friend, colleague or by engaging with a professional coach to help you delve deeper and formulate a plan for personal progression.

It is a passion of mine to support ethnic minority people. As a coach, I have found that asking the following five questions for self-reflection to those who are struggling to overcome Diversity & Inclusion is critical:

  1. When new opportunities arise, consider the reason you are not putting yourself forward?
  2. When faced with an unjust situation, reflect upon the reasons that prevent you from acting?
  3. When you feel you have a different view, what prevents you from speaking up?
  4. When you are at a crossroads in your life, how will you choose the path to take?
  5. When you feel you should be progressing, who or what might be holding you back?
Yogita
Yogita is a qualified personal and business coach with 10 years of coaching experience within the health and corporate sector. Having worked in a global health and wellbeing organisation for over 30 years, I have coached individuals at various stages in their life and career, from young adults to executives, and recently NHS staff and Key workers.