Leading for Justice: Supervision, HR, and Culture

As a seasoned human resources leader in the mission-driven nonprofit sector, Rita Sever shares actionable and practical advice for people and HR leaders in the book Leading for Justice: Supervision, HR and Culture. Sever writes about her journey toward developing leadership skills that are informed by organizational dynamics of racialized power and privilege.

People who work in nonprofits are typically motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the greater good. Sever offers an invitation to cultivate leadership skills that focus on building trust and straightforward respectful communication. She challenges readers to fortify self-awareness by reflecting on how their leadership styles align with the organization’s mission, vision and values. Throughout the book, Sever shares advice that leaders can instantly incorporate into their own leadership approach.

Any leader who is looking for frank and honest advice about leadership must read this book. As a white woman, Sever models how to lean into white privilege by calling out harmful racial dynamics in organizational cultures. She does this expertly by inviting leaders to do their own internal work and being mindful of their impact on modeling behavior for everyone in the organization. The book raises a mirror for white leaders to reflect upon their intentions — and actions — to solve systemic racism, while also meaningfully engaging employees who are committed to advancing social justice.