Tracy Jackson: How to Handle Difficult Conversations at Work

In this episode, Sarah Tenisi speaks with Tracy Jackson, a SHRM-certified HR executive with decades of executive leadership experience working in large organizations in the retail and banking space. As the founder of HR E-Z, Inc., Tracy recognizes a company’s most valuable assets are employees, and helps companies develop HR practices supporting the success and culture of the organization. She is also a speaker who helps people have uncomfortable conversations around diversity, inclusion, and other tough topics.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      [01:19] Defining “uncomfortable conversations”●      [02:30] How to tackle an uncomfortable conversation●      [04:37] Why it pays to ask questions first before offering solutions●      [07:22] How Tracy tackles or moderates tough conversations●      [12:14] A primer on microaggressions●      [19:58] The importance of titles●      [22:22] How key events in 2020 impacted how companies should evolve their culture●      [26:38] How can employers can better emotionally support their employees●      [31:28] The power of feedback in creating more inclusivity in the workplace●      [34:48] Becoming more mindful of offensive jargon at work●      [36:57] The role of listening in creating a diverse and inclusive environment●      [42:06] Receiving information in a way that encourages people to talk●      [47:33] How to achieve inclusivity in the workplace while respecting other people’s beliefsKey quotes:●      “When you’re expecting perfection of yourself, what you tend to do is play not to lose versus playing to win.”●      “Racial injustice has happened over the years. It’s just more visual now.”●      “How you receive information will determine how much information you’re going to get.”●      “I don’t tell people what to believe. I tell people how to act and engage with others and treat people with respect.”●      “Once people feel more comfortable and accepted in their own skin, you’re going to get more optimal performance. It is so exhausting to wear a mask to work.”