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When we talk about privilege, many people automatically think about some standard ways of thinking about where they fall on spectrums of race, gender, socioeconomics and sexuality. Our idea of a very privileged person is a wealthy heterosexual cisgender white man. The further we are from this standard, the less privileged we are.
This post is not arguing that fact. Rather, this post is meant to help us start recognizing the plethora of privilege spectrums, beyond race, gender, socioeconomics and sexuality, on which we all fall—and how those are constantly playing out at work.
Without trying too hard, I’ve come up with a list of privilege spectrums. For those of us who are not wealthy heterosexual cisgender white men, it’s important to remember that there are many other ways in which we may hold privilege, both at work and in the world. Starting to recognize where we fall on these spectrums can be helpful as we can then harness the authority or confidence we need to assume roles of leadership and power. At minimum recognizing the privileges that you do have, may help you feel more comfortable with your authority and less intimidated by the the stereotypically privileged wealthy heterosexual cisgender white men with whom you work.
Ineffective coping behaviors——Healthy coping skills
Inexperience——Lots of experience
Insecure——Confident
Disconnected from others——Robust network
Pessimistic——Ability to see the glass half full
Lacking self awareness——Deeply self aware
Weak family support——Strong family support
How does recognizing your own privilege impact your self worth at work? Tell us in the comments below.