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Black Women, Here’s How To Thrive At Work Without Losing Your Sanity

Black Women, Here’s How To Thrive At Work Without Losing Your Sanity

Navigating the corporate workplace can be a challenging endeavor for any ambitious high-achiever, but for Black women, the journey can often feel like a complicated dance.

On the outside, you’re a top performer and go-getter, known for consistently raising the bar and delivering excellence. But on the inside, there’s a quiet struggle: the weight of being the only, or one of the few, Black women in the spaces where you strive to excel.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional with a track record of success, a fresh face navigating the early stages of your career, or a mid-level powerhouse who just snagged a new opportunity, you’re likely familiar with the constant balancing act of juggling your ambition with the unspoken challenges of being the minority in the room.

Still, these challenges do not have to rob you of your desire to have a fulfilling career you love and, thankfully, there are five practical things you can do right now to not only survive but to thrive at work and in your career.

Believe you deserve to be in the room
That nagging question of whether you truly belong in the room can echo in your mind, even when your achievements speak volumes. So, if you feel a bit awkward because you’re the only one on your team or at your company who looks like you or if you sometimes question yourself because of it, then it’s important to remember that you wouldn’t be in the room if you didn’t belong there. Your qualifications, ideas, and solutions have paved the way for you to be right where you are, and it’s critical that you don’t discredit yourself or your value.

If you struggle with this, Latesha Byrd, CEO of talent development agency Perfeqta, affirms that “those feelings of loneliness or exclusion are real, but you don’t have to succumb to them.” She adds: “Society already doubts Black women enough, we don’t need to do it to ourselves.”

Gracefully take up space even when it’s awkward
It’s easy to hide behind the shadows of others at work, especially if you work remotely or prefer to keep your head down. However, knowing how to gracefully take up space is essential if you want to grow in your career and be recognized for your hard work. With that said, claiming your space and confidently asserting yourself in meetings and professional settings can be an anxiety-inducing act for anyone. So, licensed mental health counselor Wale Okerayi, LMHC LPC, recommends that you should try box breathing if your anxiety starts to creep up. She suggests, “In for four and out for four as many times as you can.”

But don’t stop there. Byrd notes it’s essential to be an active participant in every meeting and to be prepared ahead of time. “For example, in meetings, if you have an update or need clarification on a specific project, reach out to whoever is leading the meeting and ask to add your point to the agenda.” Then, she mentions that you should decide on your speaking points before the meeting so that you’re clear on what you hope to get out of the conversation, which will help you speak concisely and confidently.

Build allies in and outside of the office
Cultivating a strong and supportive professional network is an underrated way to proactively thrive at work and create opportunities for you and your career. If that feels nerve-racking for you, start with small steps. Okerayi shares, “I’ve seen many friendships start from talking about shows, music, or books. I know it may sound silly but starting with these smaller conversations will lead to deeper talks and trust building as time goes on.” She suggests that you should go to those company happy hours and lunches you might be tempted to avoid. She notes that it can help you feel more grounded at your job, which can help you walk around the office a little taller. But, most importantly, she expresses: “Trust is earned and you are not obligated to give it to someone just because you work together.”

Another thing you can do is “pay attention to the people who support you at work and do the same in return,” Byrd explains. A simple way to do that is to recognize other team members or allies’ accomplishments, she says. She adds that this might inspire others to do the same and can show that you’re a team player which can boost engagement at work. You also don’t have to limit yourself to people in your office. You can reconnect with old colleagues and mentors or even reach out to new peers in similar roles or who work at your dream companies.

Create safe spaces unrelated to work
As a high-achiever, your ambitious goals and work projects can easily become your highest priority and focus. However, it’s important to create safe spaces for yourself outside of work that fuel your confidence, joy, and well-being. As someone who specializes in identity development, Okerayi explains that spending time with people who know all parts of you is key to maintaining your identity while navigating the workplace. “These friends and family members will remind you of who you are and the qualities that you possess, especially in moments when the workplace won’t.”

Not to mention, whether you love your job or hate it, your career is just one part of your life; it’s not your entire life. So, while you’re creating these safe spaces, make it a goal to infuse more fun into your moments away from work. One practical way Okerayi recommends to do this is to have at least one hobby or interest that you engage in once a week. She shares that this could be an old activity you loved as a child that you stopped doing or something new you’ve been thinking about trying.

Advocate for yourself and your desires
As a career strategist and coach, waiting for others to acknowledge you is one of the biggest mistakes I see high-achievers make. If you want to thrive in your career, don’t wait for other people to champion you or acknowledge your efforts. Instead, get into the habit of advocating for yourself, sharing your desires, and asking for what you want in your career. As Okerayi, so lovingly puts it: “Advocating for yourself is an act of self-care.”

But, if you’re not sure where to start, Byrd clarifies that “the key is to remind people why their decision to support you will also benefit them and the company.” For instance, she shares: “If you’re asking for more professional development opportunities, explain how learning a particular skill will help the company accomplish a critical goal. Or if you’re negotiating more support for your role, explain how having more time to focus on other areas would positively impact the greater team.” Framing your desires in a way that helps or contributes to the overall success and goals of the organization can help you feel less anxious about asking for what you need and can increase other people’s desire to act on your requests.

There’s no denying that navigating the corporate world as a black woman can feel like walking on a tightrope. But, the empowering truth is there are things you can do to set yourself up to experience the success you desire and rightfully deserve. By believing you deserve to be in the room and practicing these action steps, you’ll be well on your way to more career fulfillment, growth and success.

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