resource library.
Black Women Leaders Are More Ambitious But Less Supported At Work, McKinsey And Lean In Study Finds
Forbes | Dana Brownlee
A McKinsey and LeanIn.org study reveals that Black women leaders are more ambitious but receive less support at work, facing challenges such as colleagues questioning their competence and being denied opportunities due to personal characteristics like race and gender. The study highlights the urgent need to address systemic disparities and inequities faced by Black women in corporate America.
How Women of Color Can Stand Up Against the Unpaid Workload
Fairy God Boss | Zenica Chatman
Women of color often find themselves burdened with an unfair share of unpaid and menial tasks in the workplace, hindering their career advancement. In this article, we explore strategies for women of color to stand up against this unpaid workload and create opportunities for more meaningful assignments. From volunteering strategically and leveraging strengths to expertly delegating tasks and pushing for change within the corporate environment, these approaches empower women of color to take control of their careers and challenge workplace inequalities.
The Psychological Toll of Being the Only Woman of Color at Work
Harvard Business Review | Ruchika Tulshyan
Being the only woman of color at work can exact a significant psychological toll, exacerbated by systemic bias and discrimination. This article delves into the mental health challenges faced by women of color in the workplace and highlights the urgent need for accessible mental health support tailored to their unique experiences. Danielle Jenkins Henry, a licensed marriage family therapist associate (LMFTA), offers four crucial strategies for women of color to prioritize their mental well-being in the face of systemic challenges.
How to Fix a Toxic Culture
MIT Sloan Management Review | Donald Sull and Charles Sull
Toxic cultures in the workplace can have serious consequences, leading to stress, anxiety, burnout, and even physical health issues among employees. Research indicates that three key drivers contribute to toxic cultures: toxic leadership, toxic social norms, and poor work design. This article explores these drivers and provides evidence-based interventions for addressing toxic cultures and fostering a healthier workplace environment.
Stop Using ‘Executive Presence’ as a Reason to Not Promote Women
Chief | Alizah Salario
Uncover the issues surrounding the pursuit of 'executive presence,' which can perpetuate biases and impose expectations on women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to adhere to traditional, white male leadership norms. Investigate the need for a more comprehensive definition of leadership traits and a transition towards a human-centered approach to leadership that cherishes genuineness and inclusivity.
An Open Letter From One of the Many WOC Leaving the Workforce in 2022
LinkedIn | Deepa Purushothaman
"Quiet quitting" has become a significant topic of discussion, especially among Women of Color (WOC) in the workforce. This open letter sheds light on the challenges and pressures faced by WOC in leadership positions, addressing issues such as diversity and inclusion, additional unpaid responsibilities, and the struggle to maintain authenticity in a corporate environment. It emphasizes the need for companies to create a safe and supportive space for employees to discuss their challenges and to genuinely invest in a culture that values every talented individual, regardless of their background.
What Comes After Ambition?
Elle | Ann Friedman
The concept of ambition among American women is undergoing a transformation, with many reevaluating their professional goals and priorities. This shift is driven by factors such as persistent workplace inequality, pandemic-related challenges, and the evolving definition of success. Women are increasingly seeking a balance between work and personal well-being, challenging traditional notions of ambition focused solely on money and power.
Women in the Workplace study
Lean In | LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company
Women in the Workplace Study" presents an extensive analysis of the current state of women in corporate America. This comprehensive annual report, jointly published by LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company since 2015, offers valuable insights to help organizations advance women's roles and enhance gender diversity. With data collected from nearly 600 organizations employing over 20 million individuals, the 2022 report reveals key findings, including the increasing trend of women leaving their jobs in pursuit of better opportunities, the persisting underrepresentation of women, especially women of color, in leadership positions, and the unique challenges women leaders face in today's corporate landscape.
Are You Taking on Too Many Non-Promotable Tasks?
Harvard Business Review | Linda Babcock, Brenda Peyser, Lise Vesterlund, and Laurie Weingart
This article delves into the issue of non-promotable tasks (NPTs), which often fall disproportionately on the shoulders of women and hinder career progression. Learn to identify NPTs, evaluate their consequences, and navigate the pressure to say "yes" when presented with such tasks. Discover strategies to make informed decisions that align with your career goals.
5 Ways You Can Be More Authentic At Work
Forbes | Avery Blank
Discover five effective ways to enhance your authenticity at work, fostering a more genuine and positive workplace environment. Learn to share personal elements, express your feelings appropriately, ask relevant questions, offer constructive feedback, and set clear boundaries. Embracing authenticity not only helps you connect with colleagues on a more personal level but also contributes to a more productive and open workspace.
Leaders, Stop Rewarding Toxic Rock Stars
Harvard Business Review | Deepa Purushothaman and Lisen Stromberg
Toxic rock stars, high performers who also behave as bullies at work, can have a detrimental impact on company culture, leading to high attrition rates, especially among women of color. Research shows that tolerating and rewarding such behavior can be costly for companies and drive away diverse talent. In an era where diversity is increasingly linked to better business outcomes, leaders need to prioritize creating inclusive and respectful workplace cultures.
Women of color can no longer buy into the ‘inclusion delusion’
Fortune | Deepa Purushothaman
"The recent confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson shed light on the challenges women of color face in the workplace, from heightened scrutiny of their qualifications to enduring microaggressions. This article explores the ""inclusion delusion"" that often plagues women of color in corporate America, where they may be highly visible but still feel like they don't belong or have real power. The author, Deepa Purushothaman, emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where companies genuinely listen to women of color, redistribute power, and establish policies that support them. As more women of color consider leaving traditional structures to create more inclusive cultures, businesses must adapt to retain diverse talent.
Why is authenticity at work so hard? 5 ways to be more authentic
Better Up | Madeline Miles
Authenticity at work requires effort, and it's essential for fostering a thriving workplace culture. Learn why authenticity matters, how to be authentic at work, the benefits it brings, and how leaders can promote it effectively.
5 Things You Can Do to Encourage Authenticity at Work
ADP | Spark Team
This Black History Month, fostering authenticity at work is vital. Learn five ways to encourage and support a culture of authenticity in the workplace.
20% of White Employees Have Sponsors. Only 5% of Black Employees Do.
Harvard Business Review | Sylvia Ann Hewlett and Kennedy Ihezie
Executive sponsorship plays a pivotal role in advancing Black talent within organizations, yet only a small fraction of up-and-coming Black employees manage to secure sponsorship. This article underscores the challenges Black managers face in accessing sponsorship from senior colleagues, highlighting the need for urgent and well-funded interventions to facilitate access to advocacy for Black executives and managers. Sponsorship is a transformative relationship that accelerates career growth for both protégés and sponsors.
Negotiating as a Woman of Color
Harvard Business Review | Deepa Purushothaman, Deborah M. Kolb, Hannah Riley Bowles, and Valerie Purdie-Greenaway
Discover how negotiation can empower women of color (WOC) to overcome barriers and enhance their agency at work. In this insightful article, based on extensive research and interviews with professional and executive WOC, learn valuable strategies to navigate negotiation effectively. Gain a deeper understanding of how negotiation tools can enable WOC to make informed decisions and assert themselves in the workplace, even when faced with challenging situations.
How Managers Can Dismantle Workplace Trauma
Entrepreneur | Kanika Tolver
Best-selling author and advocate for women of color in the workplace, Minda Harts, shares insights on addressing workplace trauma and dismantling racism. In her new book, "Right Within," she focuses on helping women acknowledge and heal from the trauma caused by workplace racism, emphasizing psychological safety and equity. Discover how entrepreneurs and managers can prioritize their employees' mental health, foster inclusion, and create a supportive work environment that benefits both employees and the organization.
Assimilation and Erasure: How Imposter Syndrome Traps People of Color
Literary Hub | Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez
Imposter syndrome is a prevalent and often debilitating phenomenon, particularly affecting marginalized individuals. This article delves into how imposter syndrome disproportionately impacts people of color, focusing on the experiences of one individual navigating academia and graduate school. It explores the roots of imposter syndrome, its effects on mental health, and the complex interplay between systemic bias, racial identity, and self-doubt.
Imposter syndrome takes on a whole new meaning when you’re a woman of colour
Cosmopolitan | Yasmina Floyer
Imposter syndrome takes on a whole new meaning when you’re a woman of colour." In this insightful article, the author delves into her personal experiences and those of other women of colour to shed light on the unique challenges they face regarding imposter syndrome. It explores how societal factors, racial bias, and microaggressions contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, emphasizing the importance of addressing these external elements while building inner confidence.
The Value Dilemma | What it Means to be Humble and Confident as a Woman of Color
idealist | Dr. Waajida L. Small
Confidence and humility are qualities that are often valued and rewarded in professional settings. Leaders are commended for exhibiting them, while professionals aspiring to leadership positions look to develop them.