Camera Politics in the Virtual Office

As the corporate world went virtual, one element I was not prepared for was the increased pressure to be on camera. There are times when I am mentally and emotionally prepared to be "on" and other times when I just don't want to be bothered.

"Everyone is dressing casually," has been the response when I use the excuse of my appearance for leaving my camera off. "Everyone" is not a Black woman with natural hair in a predominately white male industry under heightened scrutiny for the content of their work and their appearance. 

Make no mistake, as a junior to mid-career professional in a virtual corporate world, camera-time is important and vital to career development and relationship building. However, pre-quarantine, the majority of these video calls would have been telephone calls. In-person meetings were a rarity even when I was in the office 5 days per week. 

Below are a few tips for surviving "camera culture":

1. Set boundaries for camera calls. I choose not to have calls on camera before 10am or after 5pm. Set boundaries that work for you.

Professionalism during Personal Grief

Five. Between February and August of last year, I lost five loved ones. 

These losses took a lot out of me mentally and emotionally. Here is how I managed working through grief:

I did not manage well. I missed deadlines, I was delayed in responding to emails, and I down right ignored emails. 

Steps I took to get back on track:

1. I let my team know that I had experienced these losses and I would continue to do my best under the circumstances. Being too private about personal matters that may affect your performance can be a detriment to your success. I've seen some career advice that says "never let them see you cry" or "never let them see you sweat." If you set unrealistic expectations to your emotional responses to grief, your colleagues will set unrealistic expectations of you. These shared moments of humanity can foster confidence among the team and take some of the pressure off of you. 

2. I forgave myself for the mistakes. Mistakes happen even we are at our best. They are bound to happen when we are at our worst. If you do make mistakes, forgive yourself, then notify the impacted parties and correct them as quickly as possible. 

Career Resolutions for 2021

For many, 2020 has brought a lot of personal and professional challenges. As the new year approaches, consider setting the following career goals along with your personal resolutions. 

5 Resolutions for a better career life in 2021

1. Cut down your response time on emails and returning phone calls. Success in Corporate America is measured by responsiveness and results. Many younger professionals focus on the results, but not the responsiveness. Note, responses don't have to be a full deliverable, just acknowledging the prompting email or call in a timely manner is key.

2. Commit to at least one new "networking moment" per week. A networking moment can be an email or phone call with someone in your network with whom you do not regularly communicate. The goal is to keep your contacts up-to-date and relevant. These moments will lead to other follow-ups and discussions, but those don't count towards the weekly goal. At the end of 2021, you should have reached out to 52 contacts. 

Around the Web: Maintaining Professionalism In The Age of Black Death Is….A Lot

Today's Around the Web is a Medium article by Shenequa Golding that I could barely get through reading without crying, because I have not been able to confront my feelings about the world I have to live and work in. Prior to the COVID shutdowns, I lost two close relatives, and I kept working. The world came to a standstill, death and illness seemed omnipresent, and we were all forced indoors, and I kept working (my work increased). This past week, something finally broke there was no more denying and pushing through all of my feelings. I cried and worked and cried. One of the biggest threats to Black achievement, and even existence, in Corporate America, is the unspoken requirement that Black workers compartmentalize and suppress the challenges of existing while Black in a system designed for racists by racists. 

Shenqua Golding's article captures this feeling:

"We’re biting our tongues, swallowing our rage and fighting back tears to remain professional because expressing that hurt caused by witnessing black death is considered more unprofessional, than black men and women actually being killed."

Read the full article here.

Around the Web: Get Clever about Working from Home

Clever Girl Finance presents "How to Work From Home: 10 Tips to Stay Productive" and here are a few of our favorite tips from the post:

Create your list of goals for the day

"Having a list of goals or workday priorities can help improve your focus and in turn your productivity. Sometimes work tasks can be overwhelming and so it's a good idea to make a list of the top 3 to 5 work tasks you need to get done each day.

Doing this will keep you on top of your tasks and remind you of what you need to get done within your designated work hours."

Authenticity: Who You are is Non-Negotiable, by Caroline Wanga

Caroline Wanga shares her insights on authenticity in the workplace and beyond. 

Around the Web: Ellevate presents 10 Rules of Success for Women of Color at Work

"Keep showing up, persevering and demonstrating your best efforts. While your work may go unnoticed at times, it’s important to consistently show up and bring your best contribution to the table." - Solonge Lopes

Ellevate.com published an article written by Solange Lopes, CPA providing career advice for Women of Color at work. Here are a few of our favorite excerpts:

Stop being afraid of being yourself.

"Most people in the corporate world wear a mask. It’s just a fact. However, for women of color at work, wearing a mask has many times been a necessity. According to studies by the Center for Women Policy, 21% of women of color do not think they can be themselves at work. Another 28 to 44% believe they must downplay their ethnicity to increase their chances of success at work.

While this is still the reality in many, if not most, corporate environments, authenticity is still the best way to change the dialogue about women of color at work. The more we hide behind our corporate masks, the less we can bring focus on the actual issues faced by women of color at work."

Get used to being uncomfortable.

"Being a woman of color at work rhymes with being uncomfortable. Not only are there very few other women of color in the room, but our lack of representation can also make it challenging for others to understand the struggles we may face.

However, being uncomfortable is also an advantage. The more uncomfortable you are, the more prepared you tend to be. Getting used to uncomfortable and challenging environments is also the key to being innovative and a high performer."

Breaking and Entering: Your Unconventional Path to an Entry-level Corporate Job

Not everyone gets a corporate job right after graduating from college or grad school. Here are a few tips for breaking in once you are no longer a student. 

• Join an industry association - Many corporate professions have industry associations which host local and national events. Join a local chapter and/or attend local events sponsored by the group. If you are open to relocating for work, consider attending national conferences to build your network and gain industry insight. 

• Secure a Mentor - Some professional associations have formal mentoring programs, but you can also source and obtain your own mentors. Industry events are a great place to meet potential mentors. Your college or graduate school’s alumni network may also provide a viable mentor pool. 

• Optimize your LinkedIn - The recruiting and career functions of LinkedIn can be a great resource if you optimize your profile by highlighting the type of skills companies in your industry are looking for. Make your LinkedIn a part of your job search. Pro-tip: Use LinkedIn to source the job openings, but apply directly to the position on the company's website when available.

Overcoming Summer Brain

Lack of motivation.... Forgetfulness.... Procrastination.... A strong desire to quit.....

Does the warm weather and sunlight make it harder for you to be more productive in the office? Below are a few tips for overcoming "summer brain":

📋 Create daily checklists. While your calendar can be a helpful tool, writing down tasks and checking them off as you go can boost your productivity.

🚶Take a walk around the block. Embrace the part of you that wants to be outside with short walks during the work day. Be sure to wear sun block and eye protection.

🚰 Drink more water. The health benefits of water are well documented. However, less emphasis is placed on the side effects of dehydration, including fatigue and headaches.

🚆Leave. Not permanently, but take a vacation. Take time away from the office, emails, conference calls, and work to enjoy the summer weather and activities.

Weather can affect our moods and our motivations. Try these tips to actively combat summer brain and stay focused.

Around the Web: BE Recognizes "Most Powerful Women in Corporate America"

Today's Around the Web comes from Black Enterprise's editing staff. It is a list of the most powerful Black Women in Corporate America. Among other criteria set out in the article, the list includes "Top-tier executives who serve as corporate officers or members of the senior leadership team."

"A black woman may not be the image that comes to mind for most people when they hear corporate power—and it certainly won’t be the result of a Google search—but around here, we know better. Women of color are remaking the face of leadership teams and C-suites at corporations across the country and around the globe.

So we’re celebrating the fearless female executives who have managed both to stand firm in the face of hostile corporate environments and to take the bull by the metaphorical horns, powering their careers to the top.

The recent Women in the Workplace report from McKinsey and LeanIn showed that black women receive the least support of all women (and significantly less support than men) from their managers, with just 35% reporting that their managers create opportunities for them to showcase their work, promote their contributions to others, or socialize with them outside of work. 

So how have dozens of black women overcome these obstacles to make it to the top of the corporate ladder? By owning their power, of course."

A few names on the list which boasts 136 women leaders include: JoAnn Jenkins (CEO, AARP), Patricia Maryland (EVP, Ascension), Rosalind Brewer (COO, Starbucks), Ann-Marie Campbell (EVP, Home Depot), Rhonda Ferguson (CLO, Union Pacific), Carla Harris (Vice Chairman, Morgan Stanley), Freda Lewis-Hall (Chief Medical Officer, Pfizer), and Wanji Walcott (General Counsel, PayPal).

Check out the full article here: Most Powerful Women in Corporate America

Lex Reflects: Making Black Women in corporate leadership positions more visible is so important for the future of Black Women in leadership. IncorporatingU salutes Black Enterprise for this important effort. 

Giving Notice: Breaking up with your Job the RIGHT way

You got the job! Your future looks bright. Anticipation is high. 

There's only one thing standing in your way...

Whether you are remaining in your current industry or switching fields, it is important to leave your current job with grace. The manner and timing in which you give notice is the most important part of leaving on a good note.

1.  Show deference. Even at the end of your time there, office politics are important. If possible, tell everyone of significance in person and on the same day. To prepare, start by making a list of each person you plan to notify. This list should include your department head, your manager, your mentors and your close work friends. Office structures can vary, so at a basic level you want to tell your company leadership and people with whom you have a close relationship before they hear it through gossip. 

2.  Make an appointment. No one likes an ambush. Schedule an appointment with each person on your notice list. This can either be formally through their assistant or informally over email. 

3.  Get to the point. Be polite, but don't waste time. Start with the fact that you have decided to leave the company. Be clear and concise. Do not show signs of indecisiveness as a way to lessen the blow.

I Quit: A Poem

Before you quit, check out our post: Don't Quit Your Job (Yet)

Spring Cleaning for your Office

Spring is here (finally) and it's time to clean up. Clean up your house, finances, personal life, career, car, and office! This post is about cleaning up your office. 

1.  Clear the Clutter from your Desk. File it - Scan it - or Shred it, but get all of those papers off of your desk. This creates space for you to work and helps you to prioritize. The only papers on your desk should be "same day" items.

2.  Update your Contacts. Upload the information from the business cards you have received into your electronic contact list, back up this list, and get rid of the physical cards.

      Pro Tip: Send follow up emails and reconnect as you work through the cards.

Headshots for Corporate America

It's been 3 years since our inaugural corporate headshot post: The Corporate Headshot

While the tips and suggestions in our previous post still ring true, here's an update on my follow up photo shoot:

I took my first official corporate headshot 3 years ago. Back then I was very nervous. The headshot would be attached to my name and credentials on my company's website and, in many cases, be the first image my clients and colleagues had of me.

Ideally, you should update your headshot every 3-5 years: fashions change, your appearance changes, and the style of photography changes.

This time I did a few things differently:

1.  I did my own makeup. As a woman in Corporate America, makeup can really impact the quality of the headshot. Last time, I scheduled an appointment with a makeup artist. This time I was much more confident in my ability to create the look I wanted: a subtle, daytime look. 

Where's Lex?

I haven't posted in some time. IncorporatingU is first and foremost a resource for young people of color in Corporate America. I am a young Black woman in Corporate America.

In recent months, my personal life and professional life have become challenging. Not only have I struggled to manage these elements of my life, but I struggle to discuss them, articulate my feelings, face my failures... I have not had the will to write. I am recommitting to IncorporatingU, to the readers, and to the people who face similar challenges.

-Lex

How to Get Away with Bad Grades

On-campus interview season can be a daunting period. Interviews heighten competition and insecurity that many students already experience. Taking a break from the murder coverups and sex scenes, HTGAWM devoted a good portion of last week's episode to the on-campus interview experience of law students. One recurring issue throughout the episode was grades. It appears that the Murder Crew's escapades caught up with them in the form of low GPAs and class rank.

Let's talk grades.

1. Take your grades seriously. Grades are very important. Grades are not a reflection of how smart you are, they are a reflection of how dedicated, disciplined and prepared you are. Many factors can affect grades, including poor health, family drama, relationship drama, ineffective studying and learning disabilities. Get to the source of your bad grades and start working through the issue as soon as you identify the problem.

2. Don't count yourself out because your numbers are low. Yes, grades are very important, but low grades should not stop you from applying to jobs or showing up to interviews. Even when you show up, you could still be counting yourself out mentally by exhibiting low confidence or embarrassment. A grade is not a measure of your value. You should be just as confident and willing to put yourself forward with straight A's or straight C's. The only difference is how you prepare to discuss your grades during the interview.

Personal Devices, Privacy and Your Office

If you have work emails on your phone, your phone is not your own (not exclusively). You are in possession of company proprietary information and you have additional responsibilities. Also, many companies install software with terms that give them the right to collect data from the device or wipe the device in the event of thief. Know the terms.

I first came to this realization when my job upgraded the email software on my phone. All employees were required to make their phone passwords longer and more complicated. At this point something clicked, I was sending and receiving sensitive client information on the same device I was using to post selfies on IG and screenshot memes. 

My solution: I now have a separate work phone and personal phone. 

This solution is not practical or efficient for everyone, but I'll explain why it works for me.

1. Colleagues often ask for my cell phone number in order to contact me while I'm traveling. Now, if my work phone rings, I know it's work related and can better screen the calls.
2. My job no longer has to regularly install and update programming on my personal phone which contains my private information. (I always wondered if the IT folks scroll through people's pictures and text messages when they got bored.)

Corporate Vacations: Best Practices

Vacations in Corporate America can be difficult to navigate. Even in more casual settings, corporate culture is very hierarchical and more senior professionals are going to get priority when it comes to scheduling adjustments. 

Effectively taking a vacation starts with your work product and your work brand. The first is a matter of doing good work and working hard. The second is a matter of being known as a hard worker who does good work.  

Once you are known to be a hard worker, the vacation will seem "earned" or "deserved". 

The next step is providing notice. I notify my team about my vacation days by email in 3 month blocks, i.e. "These are my days for August, September, and October." These days include anything from long weekends to full length trips abroad.

Black, Corporate and Greek: Part 2 (Networking)

The Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO) network is as much a professional network as it is a social network. First and foremost, the brothers or sisters of your organization are potential mentors, colleagues, recommenders and clients. Then there is the larger Black Greek community whose members may serve the same functions. In the corporate world, there are so few of "us" that we look out for each other, especially amongst fellows BGLO members.

**Those petty differences that we chant about on the yard do not matter in the office.**

So how do you get connected?

1. Join an alumni/ae chapter. "Join" means show up to chapter meetings, pay dues, and support a few programs. We're not in college anymore. Family and careers come first, but chapter involvement may be a good career move as well as fulfilling the pledge you made when joining.

2. Wear your sorority/fraternity pin to networking events. It's an easy conversation starter and much more subtle than wearing a line jacket. The pin should fit the occasion and pair well with the outfit you are wearing.

3. Bring your BGLO up in conversation. Let's be clear, this should only be done if it is on topic and highlights your leadership or service experience. Randomly dropping your BGLO out of context without anything to further the conversation will be unhelpful and awkward.

4. Go to Convention/Clave/Cave (whatever they're calling it). Go to the national and regional meetings of your organization and make an effort to meet new people while you are there. These trips are often expensive and time consuming, but they are also fertile ground for professional networking.

Black, Corporate and Greek: Part 1 (The Resume)

Membership in professional and social organizations can be a great way to network, scout out new career opportunities, and to actually make meaningful connections with other people within your industry and across industries. These organizations can be cause-related, general society groups or industry-specific. This post is the first of a series which specifically takes a look at Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) and Black Corporate culture. These are sororities and fraternities whose memberships consist primarily of college-educated Black people, mostly professionals and many Black Corporates.

THE RESUME:

My sorority is on my resume. When I was in grad school, my career adviser, a black woman, suggested that I remove it. I heard her explanation and considered her advice, but I decided that in my relationship-based profession, it was it more useful than harmful. The below describes some of the pros and cons of including a BGLO on a resume and best practices for including it.

Reasons to include your Greek Affiliation

• Create a connection with your resume reviewer: If your reviewer has a positive association with BGLOs, the reviewer may view your resume more favorably or better remember your resume. The odds are more in your favor that this will be the case give the numbers of political leaders, scholars and artists who are members of BGLOs and the impact that many chapters have on their local communities.
• Emphasize Community Service: Good corporate citizenship is en vogue. Companies want to hire good people who do good work. Community service signals selflessness, compassion and dedication to a cause.
• Highlight Involvement and Leadership: Most companies want a team player who is willing to be involved and committed beyond business hours. By showing involvement and leadership outside of your academic and professional pursuits, you show a willingness to contribute. You signal to potential employers that you are more likely to join and even lead company committees and initiatives.