Diversity or Token? Does it really matter?

Diversity is the banner that is being proudly waived at every corporate office in the fine US-of-A.  Somehow that “word” is supposed to extinguish the ever hovering guise of racism and lack of inclusion; unfortunately it has not.  No, this is not a penned piece or gripe about unfair treatment but rather a thought provoking really long note into a day in the life of diversity.  

Let’s start first by defining diversity.  The Webster dictionary defines diversity as “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements: variety especially: the inclusion of different types of people.” Now, let’s take that definition and apply it to your current situation by looking at a key component “inclusion”.  The decision to offer you the promotion and or hire you for the role is a form of inclusion therefore meeting all diversity requirements…..  No one said inclusion would be fair, therein lies the problem.

For some of us an entry level position in a corporate environment is a HUGE accomplishment.  Excelling a bit further into a management role is even better but going the distance of receiving a “titled” role is the magnum opus for most.  We wear our titles like badges of honor… we feel successful… we’ve broken the generational curse of a long line of factory workers and manual labor roles (nothing wrong with that) and deserve a pat on the back!  High Five! 

Guess what… you are still BLACK or excuse me “African American” or “Person of Color” for those who are politically correct. 

 You will still function under a ceiling that is set so low you can barely stand up.  Yes you have been invited into the room but you will not sit at the table, you will stand quietly in the back and speak when spoken to.  Is this what diversity looks like?  For most, yes.  Now before you go chopping off my head or commenting that I am pulling the race card, mind you that “race” card is the only one we have been given in a deck that is surely stacked against us, please know I am writing from personal experience and testimonies from the pretty ladies in my circle.  

So the question is, how do we eliminate the constant workplace reminders?  You can’t… just like you are unable to change the gift that is the color of your skin you cannot change the mind of those that are determined to operate under misconceived thoughts, past and or present experiences that shape current behaviors?  What you can change is how you react, here are a few practices I’ve put in place to get through and make my workday enjoyable.

This is not your Father’s Company 

You are paid a fair wage to do a job.  It is okay to perform above standard and in my opinion is something we should always do but remember, this is not your father’s company.  This is not your legacy, you are working to support someone else’s dream and there is no dishonor in that.  Everyone was not born with an entrepreneur mindset and that is perfectly fine.  This is just your way of providing stability for your family.   

Don’t take it personal

You have done the work, written down every non-value added task, implemented the process in your mind and you are just waiting for the opportunity to present.  What if that never happens?  What if you are afforded the opportunity to make your presentation and you are still overlooked?  Do you hide in a corner or withdraw?  No, keep doing what you have always done, work.  Don’t get an attitude because you were not heard- now you’ve manifested the stereotype we are trying to escape “an angry person of color”.  Don’t quit, you will face the same challenge elsewhere.  Keep striving, your time will come. 

Take pride in your accomplishment

Don’t lose sight of the fact that you have overcome every obstacle placed in your way.  You’ve gone further than you ever imagined and that is something to be proud of.  If you are happy in your current situation, stay happy.  Yes it is difficult at times being a person of color in the workplace but I can’t change the skin I am in and others can’t change the joy I feel in my accomplishment.  

Happy is as happy does…..  I’m happy and it will reflect in my work.  Yes I’m a person of color, yes the deck may be stacked against me but it will not deter me from providing a stellar work performance with a smile on my face when entering the building.  Diversity and inclusion is not fair, never will be but I choose to change the narrative, I choose to rise above what has been the norm.  Maybe a mindset change is what is needed to raise the glass ceiling.

I hope you’ve enjoyed your view into the mind of Sugar Clark

Be Blessed!