BGOL Office: The Black Superman

[playahaitian]

This goes more for those who work in a more traditional office environment.

This is a subject that we have been having discussions about a lot lately wanted to share it with the board...

Many on the board are managers, directors, etc.

And as Black men & women we tend to be put in difficult positions within the office dynamic primarily because of our race.

We have to produce TWICE as much as our white counterparts...to get the same position or promotion.

THEN we are expected to consistently maintain that level at all times.

We become the "go-to guy" but usually are not compensated the same or given the same accolades.

We are also expected to keep the other Black employees "in-line" in certain situations.

Having to choose between the "support staff" and "management".

When we excel too much?

We are seen as dangerous, opportunistic.

Too aggressive or outspoken especially when it comes to company policy particularly with the staff or union issues? "Militant".

But if you slack off...we are a disappointment and "typical".

I just wanted to ask if anyone on the board has encountered this and how have they handled it?

 

[water]

My take:

#1. Always set expectations from up front with your boss and your subordinates

2. Know exactly what you will be evaluated on. make sure it is as objective/quantitative as possible
Understand who you will need to meet your objectives and ensure supporting you is in their objectives.
If they try to fuck you, they will fuck themselves

3. Work is not for friends. A little chit-chat is fine but do NOT introduce bias factors e.g. you need the job because day care costs, you are enrolling your kid in special classes, vacations etc...
Keep that shit to a minimum.
Co-workers will plot shit while you are on vacation so beware about exactly what is going to happen while you are on vacation and determine if any of that shit could be done before you leave, even asking your boss to delegate it to someone else.

4. If you are new, buy a couple bagels for the 1st few fridays
You will get the office politics delivered to your desk
In addition it will give a good impression against any negativity that will come with jealousy

5. Always verify conversations with follow up emails e.g. based on our conversation, I'll do xyz by date and you are to abc to me. Looking forward to working with you to successfully complete this.

6. Have conversations with your boss about what it will take to be at the next level.
After several conversations, get him to set those up as objectives for the quarter/half year and rock that shit.

7. Makes alliances with the bosses from other depts, find out what they do, where they fit into the big picture.
The fastest way up the corporate ladder is by moving to different departments.
You can only do this by strategic networking.

8. After 2 yrs, your mojo usually wears off.
Spend the 1st year perfecting your job
Spend the 2nd yr perfecting someone else's job



#officeadvice

I'll drop some more as they come up

 

[Malibu]

My take:

#1. Always set expectations from up front with your boss and your subordinates

2. Know exactly what you will be evaluated on. make sure it is as objective/quantitative as possible
Understand who you will need to meet your objectives and ensure supporting you is in their objectives.
If they try to fuck you, they will fuck themselves

3. Work is not for friends. A little chit-chat is fine but do NOT introduce bias factors e.g. you need the job because day care costs, you are enrolling your kid in special classes, vacations etc...
Keep that shit to a minimum.
Co-workers will plot shit while you are on vacation so beware about exactly what is going to happen while you are on vacation and determine if any of that shit could be done before you leave, even asking your boss to delegate it to someone else.

4. If you are new, buy a couple bagels for the 1st few fridays
You will get the office politics delivered to your desk
In addition it will give a good impression against any negativity that will come with jealousy

5. Always verify conversations with follow up emails e.g. based on our conversation, I'll do xyz by date and you are to abc to me. Looking forward to working with you to successfully complete this.

6. Have conversations with your boss about what it will take to be at the next level.
After several conversations, get him to set those up as objectives for the quarter/half year and rock that shit.

7. Makes alliances with the bosses from other depts, find out what they do, where they fit into the big picture.
The fastest way up the corporate ladder is by moving to different departments.
You can only do this by strategic networking.

8. After 2 yrs, your mojo usually wears off.
Spend the 1st year perfecting your job
Spend the 2nd yr perfecting someone else's job



I'll drop some more as they come up

You are speaking the truth... Man i'd 5 star your response as well as the OP based on the subject matter alone.

 

[SaviorMachine]

Promote!

And what I mean by that is, whatever your profession
is, find a way to do it for yourself.

The old maxim, If you don't build your dreams,
someone else will hire you to build theirs.

Start looking at your labor, not only as a commodity
but as an investment in yourself for yourself.

I started a small company six months ago and sales are just fine.

 

[playahaitian]

My take:

#1. Always set expectations from up front with your boss and your subordinates

2. Know exactly what you will be evaluated on. make sure it is as objective/quantitative as possible
Understand who you will need to meet your objectives and ensure supporting you is in their objectives.
If they try to fuck you, they will fuck themselves

3. Work is not for friends. A little chit-chat is fine but do NOT introduce bias factors e.g. you need the job because day care costs, you are enrolling your kid in special classes, vacations etc...
Keep that shit to a minimum.
Co-workers will plot shit while you are on vacation so beware about exactly what is going to happen while you are on vacation and determine if any of that shit could be done before you leave, even asking your boss to delegate it to someone else.

4. If you are new, buy a couple bagels for the 1st few fridays
You will get the office politics delivered to your desk
In addition it will give a good impression against any negativity that will come with jealousy

5. Always verify conversations with follow up emails e.g. based on our conversation, I'll do xyz by date and you are to abc to me. Looking forward to working with you to successfully complete this.

6. Have conversations with your boss about what it will take to be at the next level.
After several conversations, get him to set those up as objectives for the quarter/half year and rock that shit.

7. Makes alliances with the bosses from other depts, find out what they do, where they fit into the big picture.
The fastest way up the corporate ladder is by moving to different departments.
You can only do this by strategic networking.

8. After 2 yrs, your mojo usually wears off.
Spend the 1st year perfecting your job
Spend the 2nd yr perfecting someone else's job



I'll drop some more as they come up

where were you when I got out college

i need you to start a daily affirmation thread for the brothers on the board...

just one thin to do that day at work or at school or for your family

fam, you post these tips on youtube you'd have 20 K viewers easy.

 

[water]

where were you when I got out college

i need you to start a daily affirmation thread for the brothers on the board...

just one thin to do that day at work or at school or for your family

fam, you post these tips on youtube you'd have 20 K viewers easy.

Wow.

man, I have been meaning to do something with the shit I have learned over time.

Makes no sense to die with the shit in your head

You have confirmed what others have told me.

I'll have to come up with a plan for 2014


Thanks Bro!

 

[largebillsonlyplease]

Cover your ass above all else. Cover it.

CC emails

follow up emails

get officially confirmation of projects completed

keep a copy of everything you do and that has anything to do with you in your own personal files

Keep personal views to a minimum. Whenever something happens and a black person is involved I get asked, and I don't share. Not because I am scared of sharing my views, because they don't deserve to know my views and they also don't deserve to have any type of perceived leverage over me they will find a way to bring up something irrelevant in an opportune time to change the mood of an atmosphere at your expense. i have seen it happen to others.

Politics in the office place is real. the only thing that saves you is results.

Don't be the go to guy IF you don't get go to credit or accolades.

Always keep your resume updated with the new things you've done.

Check the jobs in your field and see how you stack up with positions that are open and closed just in case they come with bull, you already have 3 backup plans.

Don't throw you have other options in their face.

If you work with other companies on joint projects make sure you make a great impression with the people that matter on the other side. I've done that and when they get together for their country club crap i have no interest in they gossip and talk just like anyone else. Ive had people come back and say "well we're lucky to have you, so and so said if we let you go or if you wanted to leave they'd snatch you up in a heart beat"

Network with other black people in your field from different places in the united states. that is CRUCIAL they know what you're going through and will look out for you.

Don't be upset at the older people at the job who see you as a threat. They don't know any better. There was a point in time where there was only room for 1 negro, and the faster you rise the more likely they'll be pushed out. Things have changed. don't disrespect but make it clear you won't tolerate brown nosing and fuckery, say it in a professional coded manner and set the tone.

When you have white subordinates plain and simply do not trust them. That's just my experience. don't trust them to do what they said they will do on time unless you have direct firing power over them. If you don't and they can go to someone that's not you then you need to make sure that they do it and stay on them about it. Don't think for a minute that they won't fall on a sword to make you look bad like you cannot lead and are not cut out for positions and most times they do it in hopes of saying see not him, but me.

Be cordial but not loose if you do go to gatherings that are company related and same if it has nothing to do with the company but co workers will be there.

and most important

Believe in YOUR OWN DAMN SELF

you got the job cause you know what the fuck you are doing.
so nobody should be ale to shake your confidence.
you know this shit, you can get this shit done so go on and do it and don't let nobody else tell you shit.

and that applies whether you run a fortune 500 company or you work and mcdonalds on the fries.

believe..nobody can make fries like you.. and go in there and prove it

just my thoughts

 

[playahaitian]

^^^^

 

[water]

We need to tag the good posts with #officeadvice

 

[playahaitian]

We need to tag the good posts with #officeadvice

always thinking brother...

I was actually thinking if we made this a regular thing for BGOL@work???

would members go there and check them out?

 

[Naha-Nago]

My take:

#1. Always set expectations from up front with your boss and your subordinates

2. Know exactly what you will be evaluated on. make sure it is as objective/quantitative as possible
Understand who you will need to meet your objectives and ensure supporting you is in their objectives.
If they try to fuck you, they will fuck themselves

3. Work is not for friends. A little chit-chat is fine but do NOT introduce bias factors e.g. you need the job because day care costs, you are enrolling your kid in special classes, vacations etc...
Keep that shit to a minimum.
Co-workers will plot shit while you are on vacation so beware about exactly what is going to happen while you are on vacation and determine if any of that shit could be done before you leave, even asking your boss to delegate it to someone else.

4. If you are new, buy a couple bagels for the 1st few fridays
You will get the office politics delivered to your desk
In addition it will give a good impression against any negativity that will come with jealousy

5. Always verify conversations with follow up emails e.g. based on our conversation, I'll do xyz by date and you are to abc to me. Looking forward to working with you to successfully complete this.

6. Have conversations with your boss about what it will take to be at the next level.
After several conversations, get him to set those up as objectives for the quarter/half year and rock that shit.

7. Makes alliances with the bosses from other depts, find out what they do, where they fit into the big picture.
The fastest way up the corporate ladder is by moving to different departments.
You can only do this by strategic networking.

8. After 2 yrs, your mojo usually wears off.
Spend the 1st year perfecting your job
Spend the 2nd yr perfecting someone else's job



#officeadvice

I'll drop some more as they come up

good shit

*two cents*

 

[shanebp1978]

3. Work is not for friends.

 

[AwwSchitt]

Kaya broke it down nicely. I put emphasis on numbers 2, 5, & 7.

 

[CGN_Spec]

Great post, great advise, keep it coming

 

[playahaitian]

Great post, great advise, keep it coming

 

[NnubianN]

Some very intelligent advice from kaya & largebills. Props and praise

 

[MadWun]

My take:

#1. Always set expectations from up front with your boss and your subordinates

2. Know exactly what you will be evaluated on. make sure it is as objective/quantitative as possible
Understand who you will need to meet your objectives and ensure supporting you is in their objectives.
If they try to fuck you, they will fuck themselves

3. Work is not for friends. A little chit-chat is fine but do NOT introduce bias factors e.g. you need the job because day care costs, you are enrolling your kid in special classes, vacations etc...
Keep that shit to a minimum.
Co-workers will plot shit while you are on vacation so beware about exactly what is going to happen while you are on vacation and determine if any of that shit could be done before you leave, even asking your boss to delegate it to someone else.

4. If you are new, buy a couple bagels for the 1st few fridays
You will get the office politics delivered to your desk
In addition it will give a good impression against any negativity that will come with jealousy

5. Always verify conversations with follow up emails e.g. based on our conversation, I'll do xyz by date and you are to abc to me. Looking forward to working with you to successfully complete this.

6. Have conversations with your boss about what it will take to be at the next level.
After several conversations, get him to set those up as objectives for the quarter/half year and rock that shit.

7. Makes alliances with the bosses from other depts, find out what they do, where they fit into the big picture.
The fastest way up the corporate ladder is by moving to different departments.
You can only do this by strategic networking.

8. After 2 yrs, your mojo usually wears off.
Spend the 1st year perfecting your job
Spend the 2nd yr perfecting someone else's job



#officeadvice

I'll drop some more as they come up

Cover your ass above all else. Cover it.

CC emails

follow up emails

get officially confirmation of projects completed

keep a copy of everything you do and that has anything to do with you in your own personal files

Keep personal views to a minimum. Whenever something happens and a black person is involved I get asked, and I don't share. Not because I am scared of sharing my views, because they don't deserve to know my views and they also don't deserve to have any type of perceived leverage over me they will find a way to bring up something irrelevant in an opportune time to change the mood of an atmosphere at your expense. i have seen it happen to others.

Politics in the office place is real. the only thing that saves you is results.

Don't be the go to guy IF you don't get go to credit or accolades.

Always keep your resume updated with the new things you've done.

Check the jobs in your field and see how you stack up with positions that are open and closed just in case they come with bull, you already have 3 backup plans.

Don't throw you have other options in their face.

If you work with other companies on joint projects make sure you make a great impression with the people that matter on the other side. I've done that and when they get together for their country club crap i have no interest in they gossip and talk just like anyone else. Ive had people come back and say "well we're lucky to have you, so and so said if we let you go or if you wanted to leave they'd snatch you up in a heart beat"

Network with other black people in your field from different places in the united states. that is CRUCIAL they know what you're going through and will look out for you.

Don't be upset at the older people at the job who see you as a threat. They don't know any better. There was a point in time where there was only room for 1 negro, and the faster you rise the more likely they'll be pushed out. Things have changed. don't disrespect but make it clear you won't tolerate brown nosing and fuckery, say it in a professional coded manner and set the tone.

When you have white subordinates plain and simply do not trust them. That's just my experience. don't trust them to do what they said they will do on time unless you have direct firing power over them. If you don't and they can go to someone that's not you then you need to make sure that they do it and stay on them about it. Don't think for a minute that they won't fall on a sword to make you look bad like you cannot lead and are not cut out for positions and most times they do it in hopes of saying see not him, but me.

Be cordial but not loose if you do go to gatherings that are company related and same if it has nothing to do with the company but co workers will be there.

and most important

Believe in YOUR OWN DAMN SELF

you got the job cause you know what the fuck you are doing.
so nobody should be ale to shake your confidence.
you know this shit, you can get this shit done so go on and do it and don't let nobody else tell you shit.

and that applies whether you run a fortune 500 company or you work and mcdonalds on the fries.

believe..nobody can make fries like you.. and go in there and prove it

just my thoughts

Brother LBOP and Kaya!!!

I call this Black Man's Office Survival 101!!!

CHURCH!!!

 

[playahaitian]

....

 

[playahaitian]

Throwbump