Schelpping Tsuris . . . lean into discomfort

3 Lessons about Racism Leaders Can Learn from my Bubbe

francine and her grandmother bubbe florence

My Bubbe Florence often spread Yiddish words in conversation like schmaltz (chicken fat) on toast. Yiddish words convey so much more than their English equivalents. The recent protests led me to similar linguistic frustration unpacking the word "racism."

“The only way to undo racism is to consistently identify and describe it—and then dismantle it,” writes professor Ibram X. Kendi.

Unlike the 50 words in Inukut for "snow," there are just not words in English to properly address racism and my feelings around it. As I begin my journey to figure out what I need to do, here is what I imagine my Bubbe would say to anyone struggling with issues around race.

So . . . you're Verklempt?

verklempt =overcome with emotion

There are no words to describe the video footage of George Floyd and the story of Bryonna Taylor (among others). As I question my own assumptions, I contemplate how deeply privilege is rooted in the American psyche. We all need to schlep around being a little verklempt before we can do the hard work of dismantling racism. If you are interested in learning more about the history and statistics behind the term "White Privilege" this amazing video, is a place to start, well worth 18 minutes.

Don't kvetsh . . .
you know bupkis

kvetsh = complain
bupkis = next to nothing

From my white, suburban, female perspective; I thought I knew what racism looked like. As far as I knew, my friends, colleagues and I always acted in a way that is consistent with my values of equality. Reading "Me and White Supremacy" by Layla Saad and "How Not to be a Racist" by Ibram X. Kendi I realized we all see through a lens conditioned by years of systemic racism. As a leader I need to hold myself accountable to being vulnerable, leaning into the discomfort. There are numerous ways I need to change my beliefs and language. Each one of us can decide what we need to do to responsibly not just to reject racism, but to actively learn how to break down its assumptions.

To be a mentch,
you gotta schvitz

mentch = an honorable person
schvitz = sweat

My job as a leader of leaders will be to put myself and other leaders in the uncomfortable position of NOT having the answer. As a leader you may not have answers but you are in a position to ask questions. I find a place for my discomfort in this quote from Erica Jong "I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me. I have accepted fear as a part of life, specifically the fear of change, the fear of the unknown, and I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back, turn back, you'll die if you venture too far."

My "why" is teaching leaders how to ask powerful questions that elevate their companies (gelt), families (mispucha) and communities (shtetl).

Zay Gezunt  (be well) Bubbe.

If you want to learn more about how Vistage groups help businesses thrive and grow by putting business leaders in a comfortable environment to discuss uncomfortable issues, please email me at [email protected]

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