Morally speaking, there is no limit to the concern one must feel for the suffering of human beings, that indifference to evil is worse than evil itself, that in a free society, some are guilty, but all are responsible.
For Chad Dion Lassiter, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), this quote from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel best describes his guiding philosophy for his work.
Lassiter is a distinguished figure in the realm of American Race Relations, recognized nationally for his expertise. His work spans various countries, including the U.S., Africa, Canada, Haiti, Israel, and Norway, where he has addressed issues related to race, peace, and poverty. Lassiter is often sought after by media outlets for commentary on race relations and potential solutions.
The PHRC, which Lassiter has led for the past five years, holds legislatively delegated authority to investigate complaints involving unlawful discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, commercial property, education, and public accommodations.
Identifying as a social worker above all else, Lassiter views his professional role through the lens of social work. He aligns with the International Federation of Social Workers’ definition of social work as a discipline that facilitates social change, development, cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people.
Lassiter obtained his bachelor’s degree in social work from Johnson C. Smith, an HBCU, in 1995. He earned his Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Social Work, where he was honored as the A. Phillip Randolph Award winner in 2001. In 2019, he was inducted into the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice Alumni Hall of Fame.
His career has seamlessly blended academic and practical elements. He has served as the Executive Director of Red Cross House with the American Red Cross of Southeastern PA, President of the Black Men at Penn School of Social Work, Inc. at the University Of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice and a Visiting Scholar at West Chester University in their undergraduate School of Social Work. Lassiter has also been a contributing Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, where he received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Involvement Award in 2008.
In 2021, Lassiter was named Social Worker of the Year by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. He received the 2023 International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies’ International Award and has been recognized by City & State’s PA 2022 Pennsylvania Fifty Over 50, City & State’s PA 2022 Pennsylvania Impact 50, and City and State’s PA 2022 & 2023 Pennsylvania Power of Diversity: Black 100. In April of 2023 he was appointed by President Joe Biden to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.
Being a Black Leader
African Americans constitute 13 percent of the U.S. population but hold only 3.2 percent of executive or senior management positions. The percentage drops significantly when considering Fortune 500 CEO roles. Lassiter acknowledges the unique challenges that come with being a Black leader in various sectors—whether in corporate, non-profit, or governmental roles in America.
Lassiter emphasizes that Black leaders often face greater critique, scrutiny, and may encounter more resistance in having their expertise accepted and recognized. He notes a trend where Black leaders are brought in during times of crisis or collapse, contributing to a challenging environment. Emerging leaders, despite impressive resumes, may find themselves unprepared for the hostile reception and need to develop relational wisdom, endurance, and resilience to navigate and excel in such environments. Lassiter considers this challenge as one of the most significant aspects of his 20 years in leadership.
Resilience from Family and Community
Lassiter attributes his success to being open to mentorship and actively listening to those who have his best professional interests at heart. He emphasizes the importance of humility in the mentoring process, recognizing that continuous learning is essential. True humility, he believes, supports the ability to actively listen, a trait often underestimated but critical for success.
Lassiter acknowledges the influence of mentors throughout his life, starting with his parents who instilled values he still holds dear today. Resiliency, a trait he considers essential, has been nurtured through the teachings of his family, the Black church, and his experience in a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). These institutions have instilled values such as truth, justice, love, family, and community, all of which Lassiter holds in high regard.
Empathy and Service in Business
Lassiter’s primary responsibility as the head of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is to work towards dismantling various forms of discrimination and prejudice before they become entrenched within the state. Recognizing that progress in such endeavors takes time, he emphasizes the importance of consistency, echoing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s idea that while finite disappointment may be accepted, infinite hope must never be lost.
Lassiter approaches each day with excitement, finding joy in the opportunity to serve. He values the idea that seeking happiness for others is a sure way to find it for oneself. As businesses increasingly encourage employees to adopt a servant-leader mindset, Lassiter believes in the importance of empathy and service in the client or customer space.
Additionally, Lassiter follows a personal routine that includes meditation, devotion, time at the gym, and quality time spent with his wife. These practices contribute to his overall well-being and enable him to approach his responsibilities with a positive mindset.
he Role of Teams in Organizational Success
Lassiter highlights the importance of team processes over individual heroics in organizational success. He stresses that working in silos is counterproductive to the mission of an organization. Lassiter draws parallels with successful companies like Amazon and Apple, highlighting that their achievements were not solely attributed to individual leaders like Jeff Bezos or Steve Jobs. Similarly, he acknowledges that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is not just about him but relies on a strong team of individuals. Lassiter values open communication and feedback from the staff, recognizing the collective effort as crucial to achieving positive outcomes.
Values in Team Building
Lassiter values qualities beyond technical skills when hiring for his team. He seeks intelligent individuals with strong interpersonal skills who can function effectively in a team committed to humanity. In addition to technical foundation skills, Lassiter looks for dedication, passion, compassion, integrity, and excellent communication abilities. He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and is particularly interested in candidates dedicated to the social justice agenda of advancing civil and human rights. Lassiter appreciates individuals who are self-reflective and aware of their biases. Overall, he values a diverse and talented senior management team.
Beyond Technology
Lassiter acknowledges the benefits of technology in terms of communication tools, especially during the pandemic, where platforms like Zoom and Teams facilitated remote work and communication. However, he emphasizes that technology alone cannot make a person a better communicator. Lassiter considers effective communication to be an essential leadership skill that individuals must actively develop to become strong leaders.
Building Trust in Teams
Lassiter advocates for a shared leadership model, emphasizing that it counters micro-management and fosters trust within a team. He acknowledges the risks associated with speaking truth to perceived power, highlighting the importance of deciding whether leadership will be built on being a “yes” person or on the courage to speak up.
Lassiter credits his ability to navigate these challenges to having mentors to consult and a spiritual support system. He believes that success is built on suffering, sacrifice, competence, and consistency, with a commitment to alleviating suffering as a constant throughline in his career.
Commitment to Truth, Love, and Kindness
Lassiter emphasizes the significance of consistency as a foundational trait for leaders. He believes that people must understand a leader’s principles and be able to trust their word, and consistency plays a vital role in establishing that trust. For Lassiter, being consistent means maintaining alignment between his actions and words, both inside and outside the workplace. He aspires to live by the principle of “what you see is what you get.”
Underpinning his approach is a commitment to follow his moral compass, operating with truth, love, and kindness. Lassiter describes himself as a humble servant-leader with a healthy sense of humor. His love for humanity is a central aspect of his character and leadership style.
A Guide for First-Time Leaders
Lassiter advises those entering leadership positions for the first time to embrace challenges that test their abilities and navigate difficult situations with competence and confidence while maintaining their values. He emphasizes the importance of facing uncertainty and change, as it is during these challenging times that leadership abilities are truly tested. Lassiter encourages individuals to resist the temptation to take the easy way out and, instead, seek opportunities that foster growth and resilience.
