by Race in the Workplace special correspondent Erica Mauter

Diversity Thoughts - Evil HR Lady
Evil HR Lady’s diversity training in a nutshell. Basically, be polite and be professional.

Does a Southern Alma Mater Limit Opportunities? - DiversityInc.com
The White Guy’s answer: “Even though it’s been some time since you graduated with your bachelor’s degree, you’re seeking a position in a field where your education résumé is critical: Your degree is hyper-regional and that is an issue in today’s environment. You may wish to pursue an executive degree at a Northeast-based college, but I would not suggest anything but a first-tier school regardless of its geography.” Readers respond to his answer and also chime in regarding HBCUs and all-women’s schools.

Lack of Delegation Can be Short-Sighted - Anita Bruzzese’s 45 Things
“[D]elegating is really on-the-job training, providing those in an organization a chance to stretch and grow. And if someone can’t delegate, then they’re actually hurting the business because it undermines trust and motivation among employees.”

Who cares about your job title - tell me what you DO! - Chief Happiness Officer
“[Y]our job title is never going to make you happy at work, but knowing what you do, may. Knowing your contribution, how you add value, how you make a difference - THAT can make you happy at work.”

Bad career advice: Do what you love - Brazen Careerist by Penelope Trunk
“[I]t’s preposterous that we need to get paid to do what we love because we do that stuff anyway… I am a writer, but I love sex more than I love writing. And I am not getting paid for sex. But I don’t sit up at night thinking, should I do writing or sex? Because career decisions are not decisions about ‘what do I love most?’ Career decisions are about what kind of life do I want to set up for myself?”

Danger signs when you’re interviewing for a job - Ask a Manager
Most revolve around poor communication from the potential new employer. Also, too much or too little turnover.

Will Your Accent Keep You From Getting Ahead? - DiversityInc.com
“[A]n employer may fire an employee or not hire a person because of an accent if effective oral communication in English is required to perform the job duties and the person’s accent interferes with their ability to communicate in English, including teaching, customer service and telemarketing.” … “‘I believe if we substitute ‘accent’ for ‘pronunciation,’ it wouldn’t be an emotionally charged topic.”‘

Recommended Reading is a weekly feature where we link to some of our favorite workplace-related blog posts and articles. If you would like to suggest a link to Erica, please email tips@raceintheworkplace.com