“What if I’m the only one in the room?”
I used to be petrified to be the only one in the room, the only woman, the only Black woman, the only introverted, the only one with natural hair, etc…It’s a common fear we have as working women, especially as Black women in the workplace. What if it’s just me? Then we may shrink, run away, talk ourselves out of opportunities, or just grow silent…
This is a very acute feeling and reality for Black women at work. According to McKinsey’s 2020 Women in the Workplace report, 49% of Black women at work feel their ethnicity makes it harder for them to get promoted, or obtain a raise, as compared to 3% of white women and 11% of all women.
If you’re asking yourself this question and are just not sure what to do, here are a few tips that can help:
1- Turn the fear into strength: Being the only one in the room also rhymes with being hyper visible. It’s also having the opportunity to share unique ideas and insights, and benefit from the exposure. Changing perspectives and positioning oneself in a position of strength rather than as a victim can make a world of difference.
2- Identify allies: Resist the temptation to shut people out! There are people out there who will support you and root for you! These are the allies who will give credit to your ideas during meetings, challenge insensitive comments, etc…Identify them and welcome the support!
Related: 10 ways to be an ally to Black women at work
3- Find sponsors: Sponsors will advocate for you and argue on your behalf. Additionally, sponsors who are different from you can actually help you by exposing you to different networks, ideas and insights. Identifying potential sponsors and reaching out to them can prove invaluable in advancing one’s career.
4- Find your tribe: Find people who think like you, through clubs, groups and other associations. Not only is the support necessary, but the networking, mental, and psychological lift of a community can create much needed momentum in one’s career.
Overall, turning the fear of being the only one into strength, identifying potential allies and sponsors, and finding one’s own tribe can not only alleviate the pressure of being the only Black woman in the room, but also create advantages out of a challenging position.
What has been your experience being the “only one in the room”?
The Corporate Sister.
