Three Leadership Tips for African American Women by Adrean Turner

It’s no secret. Numerous studies including the “The Women’s Leadership Gap” reveal that women lag substantially behind men when it comes to their representation in leadership positions. This is in spite of research that women score higher than men in most leadership skills. The statistics are even bleaker for women of color. It is said that African American women face the “concrete wall,” which is more difficult to penetrate than the glass ceiling.  

Yet, despite daunting revelations of fewer role models for African American women and more restricted pathways, achieving and maintaining success as a leader is possible. Here are 3 tips to enhance your visibility and excel. 

1. BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOU 

Although some research suggests the need to code-switch to move ahead, Delphia Howze, HR Director of Employee Relations and Development and President of SHRM, Tompkins County, reminds women to be confident in themselves. Delphia says, “Always be authentically present! Doing so allows our skills, experiences, and potential to shine in a genuine way. It is not necessary for us to be chameleons and to change pieces of ourselves in an effort to fit in. Who we are is good enough! Now, with that, comes the responsibility to ensure that we are constantly nurturing and challenging ourselves to develop and grow to be our best selves.” You are your most authentic self when you know yourself. Understand your strengths and weaknesses and then own your brand. People who define and live their brand naturally exude executive presence and therefore, find themselves excelling throughout an organization. By being true to you, you’ll naturally attract the success you desire. 

2. GET SUPPORT 

You will have challenges as you learn and grow. Having mentors and sponsors are key for your success. Mentors provide valuable advice, resources, and they assist with career mapping. Mentors talk to you. However, sponsors are individuals that talk about you. In the TED Talk, “How to Find the Person Who Will Help You Get Ahead at Work,” Carla Harris, Vice Chairman, Managing Director & Senior Client Advisor, Morgan Stanley, says, “You are not going to ascend in any organization without a sponsor. It is the critical relationship in your career. Sponsors are those who have your best interests at heart.” Further, Shirell A. Gross, Esq., President of Shirell Speaks, explains, “It is important to develop relationships across businesses and functions within a company. You want your name to come up often and with many. It is imperative that a broad coalition of individuals understand your value and contribution to the company.” 

3. BE BOLD AND TAKE RISKS 

When you do things differently, you get noticed. Taking a risk is an opportunity to stand out and to present yourself as a leader, not a follower satisfied with the status quo. Ursula Burns learned that when she challenged the then-CEO of Xerox Corporation. By speaking out in a town hall meeting, Ursula gained a sponsor and later became the first African American woman to be named as CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Be tenacious. Accept challenging projects. These assignments will help you to develop new skill sets and demonstrate your commitment to the growth of the organization. 

“Leaders are not born, they’re made.” — Vince Lombardi 

When leadership is viewed as a goal and not a role, you will take action, build relationships, and make changes that may be uncomfortable or unconventional to realize success. Stay focused. And keep going! It is possible! 

Adrean Turner is an author, certified career coach, speaker, professional development trainer, and business consultant. She leverages 23 years of experience in management, marketing, operations, teaching, and training to partner with individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations to achieve their maximum potential. For more information and inspiration from Adrean, read her book F.I.T. for Success: Fearless, Inspired, Transformed for Success. You can follow Adrean on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.