Summary

The article discusses the challenges faced by minorities in the workplace, focusing on the experiences of a black woman in the finance industry.

Abstract

The article titled "Black Sheep: Becoming the Visible Minority in the Office" delves into the feelings of isolation and loneliness experienced by minorities in the workplace. The author, a black woman working in finance, shares her personal experiences of being a minority in her office, feeling isolated due to her race and gender. She discusses the challenges of assimilation and the struggle to maintain one's identity while trying to fit in. The author also offers potential solutions, such as building confidence, forming alliances with colleagues, joining community activities, and engaging in meaningful conversations to foster deeper connections.

Opinions

The author believes that the lack of diversity in the workplace contributes to feelings of isolation and loneliness for minorities.
She acknowledges the tendency to assimilate in order to fit in, but questions whether this is the right approach and if it leads to genuine connections.
The author suggests that confidence in one's unique identity can help combat feelings of isolation.
She emphasizes the importance of forming alliances with colleagues and engaging in meaningful conversations to foster deeper connections.
The author recommends joining community activities within the office to feel more at home and to network with colleagues in informal settings.
She advocates for making a conscious effort to learn about colleagues and share personal information to create deeper conversations and connections.
The author encourages minorities to take their time to find their footing in the workplace and to strive to unite more people in the office.

Black Sheep: Becoming the Visible Minority in the Office

There’s this lonely feeling of being one of the only minorities in the office. This feeling is not just limited to race but it’s also inclusive of age and sex. Imagine working 50 plus hours a week and there’s no in the office that you can have a bit of reprieve with because no one understands you or even tries to get to know you.

As the minority your thought process usually echoes I’m just thankful to be here and maybe I haven’t tried to talk to anyone either. The reality is that people historically just stick to what they know and that’s not right. This turns into us hiring those that look and think like us as well, and or participating in activities that historically most minorities have been left out of. This just digs us deeper into a grave, getting us farther away from a more inclusive and diverse world.

As a minority woman I usually feel isolated, first for being a woman and then second for being black. Finance still desperately needs women more than the industry lets on. I go out of my way to make myself involved as a change agent but I’m also guilty of assimilation.

Lately I’ve asked myself about assimilation a lot. Is it something I should be doing? Is it okay in certain circumstances? Or am I hiding my true self? I like rap music, I love Drake, I eat oxtail, I reuse containers from butter/cream cheese/pickles as Tupperware. I’m black. I still enjoy running, painting, and art galleries but that’s not all that defines me. I also have tried to challenge myself to not think of my interest being tied to my race.

I mean everyone loves Drake and if you say you don’t, then you’re lying. That’s not a black people thing, that’s an everybody thing.

The thing I’ve come to realize is no matter how much you assimilate into whatever is considered socially acceptable in your office it doesn’t actually mean that you will be less lonely. You might have lunches and coffee dates, you may spend your whole days surrounded by coworkers that find you engaging, hilarious, witty and kind but that does not fight the loneliness of being your true self at work. You still don’t get the opportunity to genuinely connect. I’m always wondering how do we move beyond the identifiers and labels?

I used to envy friends that had a work environment where they were close to people that they work with. They had colleagues that became lifelong friends and shared real-life moments. I can’t say that I have found that too much during my time working and its okay but not ideal.

SOLUTION? …. Try a bit of swag?

I’m not 100% sure of what works for this situation, but I’ve found in my experience, confidence really helps with this. A good hefty dose of confidence will go a long way because you have to get comfortable saying the things about yourself that make you unique. Stop thinking that talking about your culture will isolate you and wear it proudly.

BUILD A SQUAD….

It really is a two-part recipe from what I have experienced. You should know you’re not in control of the whole plan, but you must play your role. It takes effort from your colleagues as well. To help with that you should try connecting with someone in the office that can be your ally. This is also an easier route for the introverts. One by one you will win them over.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY….

It’s much easier to feel at home in an office setting when you start laying down roots. So I strongly recommend working on activities in your office that resonate with you. I actively work on our women’s board and volunteer at several community service events with my office. Networking in informal situations helps you knock down some of the walls you have yet to conquer.

ENGAGE & RELATE….

I’ve also gone out of my way to talk to at least one person a week to have casual conversation. During those conversations I’ve always made a conscious effort to learn and retain one personal piece of information from them and I also share something about myself. The next time I see that person I use the information I’ve gained to create a deeper conversation.

Take your time and find your footing. You may surprise yourself and take over the office. You could turn into the social butterfly that unites more people in the office, but you have to at least try.