A groundbreaking work challenging the false narrative that diversity equals a lack of qualifications by uncovering the impact of "competency checking," a core issue of workplace discrimination that unjustly scrutinizes Black people and other people of color, forcing them to repeatedly prove their worth, intelligence, and even their right to be in the workplace.
The career advancement of Black and other people of color in the workplace is under attack as there is a turn away from the promise of the "racial reconciliation" of 2020. This period saw Black talent rise in the workplace from DEI managers to CEOs to junior-level hires. Yet, the post-2020 workplace is seeing an alarming retreat from creating workplaces and leadership that reflect the nation's diversity.
That retreat is characterized by underemployment, cracked glass cliffs, toxic work environments, and claims of "empty pipelines." More concerning, Black professionals and other people of color often face greater scrutiny than their peers regarding job applications, work experience, and qualifications to even be considered for employment or advancement. And that scrutiny has a name: Competency Checking.
When it comes to hiring Black talent, the leadership pipeline isn't broken; rather, it is the unconscious bias and assumptions we make about who is competent and qualified. In Qualified, award-winning executive and journalist Shari Dunn combines deep research with enlightening interviews and anecdotes from across the broad spectrum of her career to uncover the history of Competency Checking, how it manifests in the workplace, and what can be done to change it. This systemic racism, Dunn argues, continues to be practiced consciously and unconsciously and is the key reason why Black people and other people of color are underrepresented in so many industries and why there continues to be a revolving door of Black talent even after the hiring surges of 2020.
This urgent and deeply researched book provides the tools to dismantle the systems holding exceptional talent back, revealing:
- The Myth of the Pipeline: Discover why the issue isn't a lack of diverse talent but the hidden blockages and biased assumptions within the corporate culture that prevent qualified candidates from being hired and promoted.
- Competency Checking Defined: Learn to identify the three primary ways Black professionals and other people of color are forced to constantly prove their qualifications, from job interviews to performance reviews.
- Beyond Performative DEI: Move past ineffective initiatives by understanding the historical roots of workplace discrimination and how they manifest in today's office politics, toxic work environments, and revolving-door retention.
- Actionable Strategies for Change: Find concrete, evidence-based strategies for leaders, managers, and allies to dismantle biased systems and build a truly equitable and innovative workplace for everyone.
About the Author :
Shari Dunn is a polymath, an award-winning journalist, attorney, CEO, educator, and more. She holds a BA in philosophy from Marquette University and a JD from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Residing in Portland, Oregon, Dunn brings her diverse expertise to her work, making significant contributions across multiple fields.
Review :
"In Qualified, Shari Dunn dives deep into the insidious practice of Competency Checking, shedding light on how this unjust scrutiny disproportionately affects Black professionals and people of color in the workplace. Dunn's groundbreaking work challenges the false narrative that diversity equates to a lack of qualifications. Through a blend of research, interviews, and personal anecdotes, Dunn exposes the barriers faced by Black talent and offers powerful solutions to break through the glass ceiling created by Competency Checking. Qualified is a must-read for anyone passionate about creating inclusive workplaces and championing diverse voices." - Dr. Uché Blackstock, New York Times bestselling author of Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine
"Qualified is a trenchant examination of an insidious form of racism--how Black workers and other workers of color have their intelligence and qualifications routinely undermined. No longer can leaders blame a lack of diversity on an empty pipeline or 'imposter syndrome.' Anyone who cares about creating thriving diverse workplaces should heed this powerful book." - David Glasgow, co-author of Say the Right Thing: How to Talk About Identity, Diversity, and Justice and executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at NYU School of Law
"As a Black professional, Qualified resonated with me deeply. It gave a name to the subtle yet pervasive challenge of 'competency checking.' It's required reading for anyone committed to equity, especially HR and DEI professionals. The book not only validates lived experiences but provides actionable insights. In particular, the section 'The Best Offense Is a Good Defense' is a call to action for HR professionals to be active allies and to hold those in the profession accountable. A must-read for anyone seeking to create more equitable workplaces." - Franchesca Carrington, M.Ed. Global Head of DEI, Philanthropy & Community Partnerships, Shark/Ninja
"Dunn's book is for everyone who has ever felt their competency checked, their qualifications questioned, or their humanity hindered. Dunn really captures and confirms the challenges of navigating these moments, offering hope and heart to those determined to persevere. This powerful read is both a guide and a companion for those seeking strength and solidarity." - Damali Peterman, Esq., author of Negotiating While Black
"[A] scathing indictment of bias-driven racial inequities in the workplace." - PW
"This book is essential reading." - The Tennessee Tribune
"Eye-opening...Dunn marshals a damning array of studies demonstrating the persistence of workplace racism...This is essential reading for anyone invested in creating a more equitable workplace." - Publishers Weekly
"American workplaces and educational spaces are currently marred by debates over Black Americans' qualifications. With attacks on affirmative action and DEI, many seem to wrongly assume that any Black person in a position of power is only there for optics. Dunn's new book challenges this practice of 'competency checking, ' which requires highly qualified Black candidates--and other people of color--to constantly prove themselves and work two and three times as hard for a seat at the table. She also lays out a blueprint for employers, workers, and allies on how we fight back." - ELLE Magazine
