Who Else Will Tell You This?

If you're a Black woman working in corporate, it's not new news that you often face unique challenges, including subtle yet pervasive microaggressions. These can manifest from seemingly innocuous comments such as, "You're so articulate." Or actions that undermine your achievements or capabilities – like when someone looks right past you for the "person in charge" when you are in charge, to being called on the carpet for being "overly aggressive" or consistently interrupted or talked over during meetings. These small but far too consistent behavioral traits can cause your confidence to falter or make you feel less valuable.

Use your accomplishments to combat microaggressive behavior and reinforce that you came to play full out. Periodt!

Don't let the actions of others impact your confidence, minimize your contributions, or make you feel "less than" or unimportant. It's an easy trap to fall into. Instead, use your accomplishments as power tools to combat such behavior and reinforce that you came to play full out. Periodt! Here are easy-to-implement ways to start:

Publicize and Celebrate Your Successes

One of the most effective ways to counteract microaggressions is to make your and your team's achievements visible. You should actively publicize your successes within your organization and broader professional networks. It can be as simple as including a recent win in your company's internal newsletter, via LinkedIn posts, or speaking at industry conferences. By highlighting your contributions and accomplishments, you not only bolster your professional profile but also challenge the stereotypical narratives that often fuel microaggressions in the first place.

When I worked in an office, I always had an accent wall I secretly called my "Wall of Intimidation." It included awards and plaques I'd earned side-by-side with photos of dignitaries and me (including three presidents), elected officials, and other influencers from all races. Why did I feel this was necessary? I worked in public affairs and was often out of the office. A lot! People assumed my job was easy and consisted of attending galas and special dinners. While that was a part of my responsibilities, it only told part of the story of how developing those relationships would/could help the company get essential items included on the agenda of city council meetings around the top 10 largest metropolitan cities my team and I oversaw. Or how those relationships could favorably impact the perceptions of the communities and consumers we served more positively.

The Wall of Intimidation provided a nonverbal narrative that the work my team and I were doing was necessary for the company, just as essential as finance, marketing, and sales. It added a layer of respect that helped disrupt any lingering biases about my abilities.

When you consistently highlight your milestones and achievements, you can build a solid professional brand that commands respect and acknowledges your true value. You may not have a Wall of Intimidation (yet), but as often as you can, take the time to share your wins and publicize your successes. Need more examples of how to? Try these:

• Social Media Presence: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to share professional milestones and reach a broad audience. Regular updates on projects, recognitions, and speaking engagements keep the professional community informed and engaged with your journey.
• Company Communications: Ensuring that successes are included in internal communications, such as newsletters or intranet updates, helps maintain visibility within your organization. This approach not only celebrates your and your team's accomplishments but also sets a precedent for recognizing diverse achievements within the company.
• Professional Networks and Associations: Engaging with professional organizations and networks tailored to specific industries or interests can amplify your achievements. Speaking at conferences, contributing to industry publications, and participating in panel discussions can help position you as a thought leader and expert in your field.

Moreover, publicizing your successes can inspire others and create a ripple effect of empowerment. When Black women see their peers celebrated for their accomplishments, it encourages them to strive for excellence and recognize their worth. This collective acknowledgment can gradually shift workplace cultures towards greater inclusivity and appreciation of diversity.

It's also beneficial to seek opportunities for formal recognition. You don't have to sit back and wait for someone to nominate you for an industry award. (It would be nice if they would, but honey, if you've spent more than five minutes working in corporate America, you know "nice" doesn't always happen on its own.) Apply for the awards yourself, seek nominations for leadership positions, and participate in programs highlighting successful professionals. Proactively pursuing and accepting these recognitions can further solidify your status as a leader and innovator in your respective fields.

Remember, we teach people how to treat us.

Although microaggressions can be a challenging aspect of a Black woman's professional life, it doesn't have to be your whole story. There are ways you can counteract those microaggressions while also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Empowerment through excellence is a testament to resilience and a step towards a future where every professional is valued for her true capabilities.

Level Up with Grace is an award-winning newsletter created for African-American women in corporate America. Designed to equip Black women (and others) who want to unapologetically create a stellar career with the strategies, insights, and techniques needed to excel in corporate America. Executive coach Cheryl Grace shares a curation of thoughts, articles, profiles, trends, and tactics that can help women advance to their next professional level, wherever they are on their career journey.?Weekly emphasis on Confidence, Curiosity, Case Studies (Personal Profiles), Connection (Networking), or Course of Action (What to DO). Please subscribe and/or share!

Graphics:?Shutterstock Stock Images illustrated by the fabulously talented Natalia Hubbert .

Powerful Penny LLC is an executive coaching, consulting, and lifestyle firm founded by veteran corporate executive Cheryl Grace. We work with corporations seeking to promote, retain, and support diverse talent, as well as diverse professionals seeking to advance to their next level of career success. Our professional development services, coaching programs, and speaking/workshop series are fully customizable. Discover how we can help you achieve your desired long-term results!