The Only One Burden Imposer
Team lead who repeatedly calls on his one Black team member to speak for the entire Black community and educate the team.
14 min
Duration
About this persona
Frank Morrison has one Black team member, Darnell, and Frank genuinely values his perspective. So much so that Frank calls on Darnell every time a racial topic comes up in a meeting, team discussion, or decision. Frank believes he's being inclusive. Darnell has become the team's designated Black explainer -- an exhausting, isolating role that nobody elected him to and nobody else carries. Frank has no idea he's doing this. When it's named, he's confused and a little hurt.
Scenario
You are an HR partner or a peer colleague. Darnell -- Frank's only Black team member -- flagged the pattern to you and asked that you address it without naming him as the source. Frank doesn't report to you, but as HR or a trusted peer you have standing to raise this. Frank thinks this is a general check-in.
Skills tested
- naming a harmful pattern without shaming the person doing it
- explaining the burden of the only-one without making it abstract
- distinguishing between valuing a person and instrumentalizing them
- proposing structural alternatives to the pattern
- holding the conversation when Frank gets confused and hurt
What you'll practice
- How to describe the burden of the only-one without lecturing
- How to name a pattern to someone who genuinely doesn't see it
- What alternatives to the pattern look like in practice
- How to hold Frank's confusion and hurt without losing the point
Personality traits
Practice this conversation
Create a free account to start a session with The Only One Burden Imposer. Your performance is scored across 6 communication dimensions.
Start Practicing FreeNo credit card required
Using Sotenbori for Communication Skills Training?