So sista, you finally made it to the “big bucks” but now you are nervous because you have never worked in such a diverse environment. Diverse in the way that you are maybe one of the two ethnic faces in the entire company. Having experienced this myself, I feel that I can offer some tips on the best strategies to take into consideration when working in an environment that may be outside your normal comfort zone. Aside from the obvious tips such as actually doing well at your job, showing up on time etc.. There are a few other maneuvers that can help in your success in the white mans corporate world. I am not one to sugar coat so some of these tips may be offensive to some who are unfamiliar with my point of view or have never experienced racism at a job. If you want to hold hands and sing “We Are The World” then you are definitely on the wrong blog.

Don’t Be Their Stereotype

What you don’t want to be is viewed as a stereotype. People like stereotypes because it helps us to correlate people with certain characteristics. It helps us to “box” people into certain categories which eliminates us taking the time to actually get to know someone out on an individual basis. For instance, you dont want to be seen as the stereotypical angry black woman. So if you are prone to snap over spilled apple jacks then be easy. Be the exception to what they thought you would be.

Its 2011, There Is No Such Things As Being A GoldDigger

Body Language

If you are prone to be expressive when you speak. Stop. Eliminate the neck rolling, last word, attitude that some of us sistas have. I can say this because even I had to eliminate this behavior from my own body language. This kind of behavior could kill the thought of them ever taking your seriously. Especially if you plan on moving up in the company. Corporations want someone who will represent the values that they stand for. Body language that reads “what the hell do you want” is not what they desire..

Smile

Black women have a stereotype of being unfriendly. To combat that, be giving with your smiles and polite gestures. Say hello to people who speak to you, and also don’t be afraid to speak to them first. Say hello even to people who you don’t care for. You don’t want to be seen as rude. Remember this a job, and you are here to play the game, collect your check and go home. You don’t have to be bff’s with anyone there but you must be cordial. Think about that fat check.

Speak Well

This should be an obvious one as most Blacks know how to adjust their behavior and speech based on their environment. However, not everyone is clued in. With that being said, do not speak ebonics to anyone there. Speak well at all times. Be more than what they assume you are.

Learn To Check People Professionally

Sometimes, people beg to be checked. They cannot help themselves in that they get a sick joy out of harassing someone. It helps their work day go by faster. If there comes a time where you feel that you have to check someone then check them professionally. Say what you have to say but say it without being nasty, rude, or sounding overtly aggressive. If you feel that the situation was serious enough to go to a supervisor about so that there is a record of it then do so. This may also save you later if the perpetrator decides to become offended and run and “tell”.

Black Women Most Ignored Race Of Women On Dating Sites

Engage White People

White people are more interested in Black culture and our every day lives than you may think. They want to feel like they can relate to you and that the difference in race means nothing. They want you to feel the same way. Feel free to engage in a conversation with them on relatable subjects that you deem appropriate. Susie who sits next to you wants to show you pictures of her kids Hollie and Taylor. Take a look at them feel free to show her your rug rats as well. If you are uncomfortbale because you are not accustomed to working or talking with White people then it will show and it will make them uncomfortable as well. There is more to you than just being the only Black person there so show them that and be yourself.

Policies…

Sistas, KNOW THEIR COMPANY POLICIES. This is to safeguard your career there. I have found that in past situations where I have worked in mostly White corporate environments that Susie, the blonde, blue eyed co-worker usually can get away with more that Shanna, the sista who sits across from her. They both were ten minutes late but no one comments on it to Susie but they are all up Shanna’s a** over it. This is why you must know their companies policies of displinarian action. Every corportation usually passes this out within your first week. It will be a list of policies, possible HR issues, harassment policies and how they handle disciplinarian action. In order to protect yourself from some possible B.S., you should read these policies and keep them on hand. This is in case someone tries to pull some favoritism crap against your favor. If you are to receive at least three warnings about a behavior that they disapprove of before you get written up then you make sure you received them before you sign/agree to any write-ups. Also, if you feel as though you are being treated unfairly, keep a log of this behavior where you include the date, time, sitatuation and parties involved. This may save your a** if you ever need to sue for wrongful termination.

Be Confident

Last but not least, know, believe, feel, that you deserve to be there just as much as Susie does. You are just as smart, skilled, and capable of doing the job and they must feel the same way or they would not have hired you. Have confidence in your abilities and let no one there make you cast doubt upon yourself or feel that you are less than.

Any other tips?

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