Shelia smiles at the attention. “Good to see you, ah…”
Isaac interjects, “It’s Isaac…”
“Isaac, yes… ah you look different.”
Isaac still flashes those pearly whites, “Not so different, guess just happy to see you.”
Shelia is skeptical of the comment but goes with it. Isaac and Shelia walk to the store; he opens the door for her and admires her from behind. Jason, the manager, meets them at the front and extends his hand. With the report in one hand Jason glances up at the clock to notice Isaac took an extended lunch.
Shelia continues, “ I appreciate the curb side welcome, I should get this at all the stores…” She smiles and cuts her eyes at Isaac. “So Isaac, are you going to join us for the meeting?”
Isaac’s workplace strategies reflect the results of a recent study on Black mens’ strategies to advance on the job. About 30% of Black men in the workplace will resort to flirtation to get ahead instead of turning to other black men for support or mentoring.
In a world of disproportionate incarceration and murder of Black men, society does embrace even taboo Black sexuality, which can be seen as opening a window of opportunity. Seems Isaac would take advantage of the improving economy, but unemployment rates for the Black community have been at recession levels for the last 50 years with about 11.6% unemployment.
A majority of men still see “having more education” and “working twice as hard” as strategies to advance at work. Though only 30% of Black men engage in flirtation as a workplace strategy, Black men turn to flirtation before they turn to each other to get ahead, despite the risk of a sexual harassment charge.
Based on the findings, the following strategies would be helpful to assist Black men advance on the job.
For Black men:
- Remember, flirtation can lead to a sexual harassment charge and termination. Consider other healthy workplace strategies which advance cohesion such as reciprocity: helping others who help you; likeability: being a concerned colleague without the sexual innuendo; and reliability: Follow through on deliverables accurately and on time.
- Connect with colleagues, men or women, though merit. Providing insightful reports or excellent customer service makes you indispensible. Have happy customers or clients write testimonials to show solid job performance.
- Seek out professional mentorship. Pick someone who genuinely has your best interest at heart, regardless of race or gender. But also remember, mentorship should also bring something positive to the mentor.
For other colleagues regardless of race or gender:
- The social experiences of black men can be overwhelming. Murder rates, incarceration rates and lower education levels still make America a tough place for Black men. Don’t assume that the Black man on staff wants to be another statistic.
- Try coaching. Everyone needs a helping hand. Point out successful strategies and opportunities at work that were based on merit. If there is an opportunity to coach someone through a questionable decision, do so without judgment.
- Ask their opinion. Many Black men just stay quiet and don’t offer their valuable opinions. Their insight is a lost resource and isolates them. Ask their opinion and actually consider how it might help the staff.
Flirting To The Top?: What Strategies Really Help Black Men Advance On The Job? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
