The two words on your job application that scare away applicants of color — “high performance.” Why do these two words hold so much baggage for diverse applicants? Well, I’ve come to understand that the words “high performance,” particularly when linked to “fast-paced” in a job application, are steeped in the idea of white supremacy, perfectionism and an impossible work-life balance.
Some people of color associate “high performance” with the expectation to be absolutely perfect in everything they do, to work themselves to death and uphold a standard of excellence that’s difficult to achieve without compromising their mental and physical well-being.