Getting Ahead: But at What Price?

I ran across an interesting article that talked about how women of color, in particular African-American, Latina and Asian, could employ specific strategies to climb the ladder of success to land senior level positions. The article talks about using the “blending in or sticking together” strategy to advance to leadership positions. While reading the article I thought to myself “both of these strategies can be counter-ductive.” Sadly, what’s more important to consider is why the need for such shenanigans? Why can’t women of color just show up, show out (do excellent work), and go up? In 2009, the possibility of being authentic still carries little weight, instead women of color are forced to blend, subdue, conform and assimilate just to make it through the day.

“Catalyst is the leading research and advisory services organization working to build inclusive environments and expand opportunities for women and business. To break through the ‘concrete ceiling,’ women of color must establish varied informal networks,” said Katherine Giscombe, Ph.D., Catalyst Research Director and author of the study. “But this is a shared responsibility. CEO’s and senior leaders can confront barriers head-on and ensure women of color have access to networks that are so crucial to advancement. This is particularly important in today’s global marketplace, where leveraging all talent is a strategic business imperative.”

“The study examined two primary networking strategies: “blending in” and “sticking together.” The blending in strategy encourages women of color to form relationships with those who have power in their organizations – typically white males – and is used most commonly by Asian women. The sticking together strategy encourages women of color to develop networks with those who are similar – especially racially or ethnically similar – and is used most commonly by African-American women. The study found that Latinas tend to follow a combination of the blending in and sticking together strategies, seeking high numbers of whites, but also mainly women in their networks”.

So which one works? My response would be “what is the emotional, spiritual and cultural cost of blending in” and the good ole boys and girls network has always been about sticking together.” I guess it all depends on how bad you want to get ahead and how much of your authenticity are you willing to give up to succeed? I’ve been in situations that have silently said “blend in or be shut out” and my decison many times was anchored in the philosophy of “to thine own self be true.” Integrity is my top core value. It was more important for me to show up and be me, live and work by my core values and go to bed at night knowing that I didn’t compromise my values. As a result, I didn’t have any problems getting ahead, being promoted and or being seen as a respected, valued (often admired) team member.

Authenticity is your right. You should be able to step into the world with full self-worth, confidence and assurance that you will be received, believed, valued and supported. So, what are you willing to do or not do to get ahead in the workplace? Knowing your core values is prerequisite to the answer to the question. My thought is if you have to work that hard to be seen, heard, valued and or promoted, is it worth it and or do you really want to work for a company that expects you to conform, assimilate, subdue or blend?

Here a few suggestions on being your authentic self in every moment:

• Say what you mean and mean what you say.
• Speak from the heart and communicate directly.
• Be mindful of how you come across to others.
• Be genuine in your words and actions.
• Don’t try to fit in just be yourself.
• Always think and behave from a place of integrity.
• Be an independent thinker and stick to your values.Be optimistic, positive and proactive in your work.
• Trust in your personal power and step into it boldly every day.
• Have presence, command respect and deeply care about people.
• Tap into and utilize all of your strengths.
• Live and work from your core values.

Being authentic is about loving the skin you are in. It is about speaking your authentic voice (a voice that is kind, compassionate, wise and intuitive). Being authentic is about creating a consistent balance between how you think and feel and the way in which you live and work. When you are truly authentic you don’t have to focus on blending in or sticking together, you just show up, BE and live in the moment. Every choice we make has a consequence (cost or value) what are you willing to pay or sacrifice? Choose wisely…

Go on to read the full article here.

By Catrice Jackson