Prepare with Emotional Intelligence for the Chauvin Trial Verdict

Sometime this month or next, the jury will decide the fate of the man who killed George Floyd. In the past, police officers have seldom been held to account for acts even as heinous as Mr. Floyd’s murder. Prepare for strong emotions at work at the announcement: grief and relief if Chauvin is thoroughly convicted, and anger and pain if he is not. 

This is such an emotionally fraught time, especially with race in view. If you are committed to being an ally to people who identify as Black:

• Try to help other White and other people behave themselves, to speak with respect, or just stay quiet if they don’t know what to say. This will not be the time to explore how blue lives matter. If you see White or other folks react wrongly, speak up with directness and empathy—do not stand by. Every American who is not Black and has a heart should be thinking: “In this moment, I will do no more harm.”

• Learn to individualize the Black people you know: some may welcome the chance for a thoughtful conversation about the trial, some may be coping by not talking about it, some may not be ready to talk about it with anyone who has not walked in Black shoes.

• Mr. Floyd’s death hurt many people. Validate the responses of those who react in pain to the verdict; some of them will identify as other than Black.

All of our Black colleagues, friends, clients, and family members possess the right to their own reaction to the Chauvin verdict. And then, we, as allies, come alongside. We, as friends, care for the other and do not judge. Do we dare to love others in a manner we ourselves want to be loved? 

Plan for the verdict. Get your mind and your heart ready. Prepare to lead with care and courage.