Over the past few years, the office as we know it has shifted on a global scale. People can work from anywhere in the world, for anyone in the world. But when it comes to earning recognition for a job well done, the expectations largely remain the same. Sometimes, promotions require more than just knowing how to do your job and doing it well, which is one of many reasons why it can be particularly challenging for women of color to make gains in their professional careers. (By the words of Eli Pope, “you have to be twice as good as them to get half of what they have.”) Most industries share the same precept—it’s not what you know, but who you know.
Of course, not everyone dreams of climbing to the top of the corporate ladder. And if you feel burdened by work and life’s demands, this post is probably more your speed. But if you’re starting a new position or aiming for a promotion, here are some pointers that have helped me navigate the professional social scene and make strides in my career.
Forge relationships with Black women and POCs in leadership
Introduce yourself to the women of color in senior positions at your company. Email them to request a meeting to discuss their professional journey and advice they have on how to thrive on the job. Women in leadership tend to be very open about their professional experiences and can offer brilliant insight on how they have excelled. In addition, connecting with other men and women of color can help to diversify your network and expand your knowledge base. Plus, you never know if a connection will lead to your next “big break.” It’s also important to establish relationships with people who work in other fields. While many of my mentors are Black attorneys, I’ve also made connections with men and women of color in other fields, such as human resources and engineering. Those who have reached great heights in any industry have a wealth of information that can help shape you and your career path.
Establish connections with the well-connected
Truth be told, the standard figurehead of nearly every profession has been the same for generations. It’s no wonder those in high positions have such deep influence to change someone’s career with one phone call (at least according to Suits and The Good Wife … I probably overdid it with the legal dramas in law school). Generally, these high-powered individuals can be especially resourceful advocates for us that encourage us to get ahead and thrive in the workplace, especially when it comes to opportunities we may have otherwise been overlooked for. Thanks to some connections I’ve made with the “well-connected,” I was offered a couple of internships in law school and received optimal job referrals. Like I said, you never know!
Get to know your boss personally
An open line of communication is fundamental to any successful work relationship, particularly so with your manager or supervisor. Unfortunately, not all supervisors are responsive to or even interested in developing strong communication skills. Or maybe you have your own reasons why you don’t talk to them as much (for instance, your manager is abrasive or intimidating, or you’re both too busy to interact often … or you just don’t like them). If you’re uncomfortable with approaching your supervisor on a regular basis, start by getting to know them as a person; because, after all, they are people, too. You can start small by asking them about their weekend or plans for upcoming holidays. I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t like to talk about themselves, and your boss is likely no exception. Keep mental notes on their hobbies and follow up with them on interests and activities they mention. While you don’t have to memorize their whole life story, getting to know your supervisor on a personal level can help you get more comfortable with talking to them on a professional level. And once you develop solid communication with your supervisor, they can be a great ally in your professional journey.
Build social ties with your colleagues (make work friends)
Discussing the weather and quarterly reports with your coworkers can get stale pretty fast. Instead of just sticking to small talk, try and get to know some of your colleagues (after all, they are people, too). If you already have an established social circle at work, make an effort to get to know another coworker that you don’t normally socialize with. Send an email to them about having lunch together the next time you’re both in the office; that way, you can converse in a comfortable setting. Video calls can also offer the opportunity to develop personal connections and build up your comfort level with those you work with. No matter what your career objectives are, work friends make the job much more enjoyable and can help the day go by a little faster. And, once again, you never know who (or what) your colleagues know that could be beneficial to you in the future.
Be authentically you
Building genuine relationships with other professionals can be more effective than having numerous contacts or an extensive network. Although I can count my mentors on both hands, we share mutual interests in each other’s wellbeing that transcend career-building objectives, and I always enjoy meeting with them to catch up. A few of my mentors have described their uncomfortable encounters with prospective mentees that seemed more like interviews than natural conversations, ultimately leaving them with a negative impression. Authenticity is greatly appreciated, and it’s far easier to maintain professional relationships when you actually get to know (and like) whoever you make connections with. So, if the conversation doesn’t evolve as organically as you’d hoped after the second or third interaction, it’s perfectly fine not to reach out as often, or at all. Like all relationships, professional connections are a two-way street. Not every connection will result in short-term leads or lifelong friendships. When you’re in sync with a contact or mentor who has your genuine interest at heart, the natural progression of the relationship can lead to rewarding relationships and great opportunities.
What are some ways you’ve climbed the social ladder at work to get ahead? Share in the comments below!
