Building Anti-Racist Supervisory Relationships:

Integrating a Somatic Approach to Leadership Development for White Supervisors​

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This transformative program is designed for white supervisors committed to fostering inclusive and equitable workplaces. We believe that effective leadership requires a deep understanding of how our actions impact others, particularly in the context of race and identity.

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Why Anti-Racist Supervision?

Effective supervision contributes directly to organizational impact and success and to creating a culture of belonging. When supervisors intentionally create relationships characterized by mutual respect and trust, staff can bring their best thinking and creative zest because they feel supported. But research shows that white leaders are much more likely to build these kinds of relationships with other white staff leaving their Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other staff of color without the support to succeed. 

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White supervisors have a unique opportunity and responsibility to ensure that everyone they work contributes to mission effectiveness in a meaningful way. In order to do that well, white leaders need to be reflective about how we are building cross race relationships and ensuring that we are aware of the ways we may be unintentionally providing our Black and Brown and Indigenous staff with fewer tools to succeed. 
 

Why a Somatic Approach?​

While having intellectual and cognitive conversations about race and racism teach us much, our bias and our fear are stored in our bodies. Our bodies hold onto these tensions in ways that impact our physical and emotional responses, influencing how we engage with others. Through embodied awareness—a practice that integrates paying attention to sensations in our body—we can learn to recognize and work with these physical manifestations of racial bias, instead of being overtaken by them. By understanding and addressing these bodily responses, white supervisors can create environments where authentic understanding, empathy, and growth can flourish, leading to more inclusive and human leadership.