Sis, Don't Let Them Gaslight You OUT of A Bag 💰! #blackwomen #toxicjob

Summary

In this empowering video, 'Black Girl Magic Lawyer' Latrice outlines four strategies for black women to navigate toxic workplaces. She advises against tone policing, emphasizes the importance of negotiating severance packages, highlights the need to document positive feedback, and encourages building a strong case against workplace discrimination.

Takeaways

• 📢 Recognize Tone Policing: Be aware of how your assertiveness may be unfairly labeled as 'threatening' by those in power, often as a tool of discrimination.
• 💼 Stand Up for Your Rights: When resigning due to a toxic work environment, always negotiate for a severance package, starting with a minimum of one year's salary as a baseline.
• 🤔 Question Low Settlement Offers: Employers may initially offer a low severance amount, assuming you won't push back. Always ask for more, especially if forced to resign.
• 👩‍⚖️ Consult Legal Help: It's crucial to have an attorney review your exit agreement to ensure you're not being taken advantage of during the resignation process.
• 📋 Document Positive Feedback: Keep records of all positive feedback received during your tenure to counter any false claims of poor performance used to justify dismissal.
• 🔒 Protect Yourself from Retaliation: If you engage in a 'protected activity' and face retaliation, you may have a case for EEOC retaliation. Keep evidence to support your claims.
• 🚫 Don't Be Gaslit: Be vigilant against attempts to manipulate or deceive you into believing false narratives about your performance or conduct at work.
• 📝 Build Your Own Case: Take the initiative to gather and document all relevant facts, dates, and interactions to construct a comprehensive case of your experience.
• 🗓️ Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a journal of incidents and conversations, especially those that occur outside of formal documentation like emails, to have a clear record of events.
• 📲 Use Screenshots: Utilize screenshots to capture and save evidence from instant messaging systems, as these platforms are often used to conduct covert negative actions.
• 🗣️ Stick to Your Story: Consistency is key when presenting your case. Ensure you have a clear narrative and stick to it, supported by the evidence you've gathered.

Q & A

What is tone policing according to the speaker?

Tone policing is when a person, often in a position of power, accuses someone else, especially a black woman, of being 'threatening' or 'angry' when they are assertively advocating for themselves or their rights. It's a tool used to silence and discredit those who stand up against injustice.

Why does the speaker mention 'white supremacy' in the context of tone policing?

The speaker refers to 'white supremacy' as a historical and systemic practice that uses tactics like tone policing to maintain power and control over marginalized groups, by invalidating their expressions of self-advocacy and resistance.

What advice does the speaker give regarding severance negotiations?

The speaker advises not to accept the initial low severance offer from employers and to always negotiate for more, with a minimum of one year's salary as a starting point for black women facing discrimination.

Why is it important to have an attorney review an exit agreement?

Having an attorney review an exit agreement is crucial to ensure that the terms are fair and legally sound, protecting the individual's rights and interests, especially in cases of forced resignation which may be illegal.

What is the significance of keeping track of positive feedback at work?

Keeping track of positive feedback is important as it serves as evidence of good performance, which can counter false claims of poor performance used as a pretext for pushing someone out of a job, particularly in cases of retaliation.

What does the speaker mean by 'protected activity' in the workplace?

Protected activity refers to actions taken by employees that are legally protected against retaliation, such as reporting discrimination or harassment. Engaging in such activities should not result in negative consequences from the employer.

What is the role of screenshots in documenting workplace interactions?

Screenshots serve as a form of evidence that can be used to support one's claims in case of disputes or legal actions, especially for interactions that occur through digital communication platforms like instant messaging systems.

Why does the speaker emphasize building one's own case?

Building one's own case is important because it allows the individual to have a clear understanding of the facts and circumstances surrounding their situation, which is crucial for effectively navigating legal processes and ensuring justice.

What is the speaker's stance on gaslighting in the workplace?

The speaker strongly advises against allowing employers to gaslight employees, which involves manipulation and lying to make the employee doubt their own experiences or perceptions. Instead, employees should document their experiences and know their rights.

How can one prepare for a potential legal dispute with an employer?

One can prepare by documenting all interactions, keeping records of positive feedback, understanding the facts of their case, and consulting with a legal professional to ensure they are aware of their rights and the legal implications of their situation.

What is the speaker's ultimate goal with the channel?

The speaker's ultimate goal is to use her legal training to help black women navigate and exit toxic work environments, providing them with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and secure their rights.