Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work

(Hardback)

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A groundbreaking work challenging the false narrative that diversity equals a lack of qualifications by uncovering the impact of competency checking, a practice that unjustly scrutinizes Black people and other people of color, forcing them to repeatedly provetheir worth, intelligence, and even their right to be in the workplace.

The 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 nations 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 pipeline isnt broken; rather, it is the 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. Competency checking, 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.

Reviews

"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. Uch Blackstock, New York Times bestselling author of Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine Qualifiedis a trenchant examination of an insidious form of racismhow 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 Dunns 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 "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

Author Bio

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.