The corporate world is pretty homogeneous–basically everyone looks the same. Being black, this is something you notice. You’re always slightly aware of not only the melanin differences, but the differences in mentality as well. That’s just the way it is.
It’s not always a bad thing, it just correlates with the differences people have. However sometimes you find yourself in a situation where those differences in mindset can cause conflict. Then you must choose your battles.
Background: The man that hired me was black. For me it was inspiring to see someone that looked like me in a position of power in this corporate world.
Present: Recently I got in trouble at work. I went in to my new boss’s office for our third 1-on-1 and was confused when the newly promoted director showed up as well. Her promotion directly correlated with the departure of my former boss where she was now in a position of power.
My personality on the team is very different than the rest for reasons mentioned above. Yet in the meeting, I was told that I didn’t appear to be working hard enough. The director mentioned that I was good at team building, group morale, etc. but as far as work was concerned, she had questions.
In that moment, it felt as if my former boss had been a shield for me, and because I no longer had his protection of power, I was being asked to get in line….to become more homogeneous with the group.
I listed all of my work accomplishments and I questioned why none of the people I worked closest with had ever hinted these concerns. She had made this judgement off her own perception of me, and had not gone so far as to have a conversation with anyone whose area I touched. I felt vindicated as she backtracked and validated with her apology.
It is possible to be yourself while also being malleable enough to make others feel comfortable. And I think that I walk that line well. But when your integrity is challenged, sometimes that’s a battle worth fighting.
Name: William
Title: Compensation Analyst
Industry: Human Resources
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