The Challenges of Building Relationships with Managers as a Black Woman

In today’s workplace, Black women face unique challenges when it comes to building relationships with their managers and managing up effectively. These challenges can include:

• Microaggressions: Black women often face microaggressions from their managers, which can make it difficult to build trust and rapport.
• Unconscious bias: Black women may also be the targets of unconscious bias from their managers, which can lead to unfair treatment.
• Lack of representation: Black women are underrepresented in management positions, which can make it difficult to find a manager who understands their experiences and perspectives.

Tips for Managing Up Effectively

Despite these challenges, it is important for Black women to build strong relationships with their managers in order to succeed in their careers. Here are some tips for Black women on how to build strong relationships with their managers and manage up effectively:

1. Get to know your manager as a person. Take the time to learn about your manager’s interests, hobbies, and family. This will help you build rapport and make it easier to connect with them on a personal level.
2. Be proactive and communicative. Don’t wait for your manager to come to you with work. Let them know what you’re working on and how you can contribute to the team. Be clear and concise in your communication, and be open to feedback.
3. Be confident and assertive. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas. Your manager wants to hear from you, so don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard. However, it is also important to be respectful of your manager’s position.
4. Be a team player. Be willing to help out your colleagues and go the extra mile. This will show your manager that you are a valuable asset to the team.
5. Be persistent and resilient. Don’t give up if you don’t get what you want right away. Keep working hard and building relationships, and eventually you will achieve your goals.

_{^{Related Reading: 10 Tips for Handling a Sabotaging Boss}}

How to Deal with Microaggressions and Unconscious Bias in the Workplace

It is also important for Black women to be aware of the microaggressions and unconscious bias that they may face from their managers. If you experience microaggressions, don’t be afraid to speak up and address them. You can also try to educate your manager about microaggressions and unconscious bias.

If you are the only Black woman in your workplace, it can be even more challenging to build relationships with your manager and manage up effectively. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help Black women succeed in the workplace. You can find support groups, mentors, and coaches who can help you navigate the challenges of being a Black woman in the workplace.

By following these tips, Black women can build strong relationships with their managers and manage up effectively. This will help them achieve their career goals and succeed in the workplace.

^{Find out: How To Speak Up In Meetings Without Feeling Foolish}

Becoming a Successful Black Woman in the Workplace: Tips for Managing Up

Here are some additional tips for Black women on how to manage up effectively:

• Be prepared. Come to meetings with your manager with questions and ideas. This will show them that you are taking the meeting seriously and that you are interested in their feedback.
• Be proactive. Don’t wait for your manager to come to you with opportunities. Ask for stretch assignments and take on new challenges. This will show them that you are ambitious and that you are willing to go above and beyond.
• Be confident. Don’t be afraid to speak up in meetings and share your ideas. Your manager wants to hear from you, so don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard.
• Be assertive. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for what you want. If you are not happy with your current role or compensation, speak up and let your manager know.
• Be persistent. Don’t give up if you don’t get what you want right away. Keep working hard and building relationships, and eventually you will achieve your goals.

Black women face unique challenges when it comes to building relationships with their managers and managing up effectively. However, by following the tips outlined in this blog, Black women can overcome these challenges and build strong relationships with their managers. This will help them achieve their career goals and succeed in the workplace.

Here are my last points for managing up

Self-advocacy: It is important for Black women to be their own advocates and speak up for themselves. This means being clear about your goals, expectations, and needs. It also means being willing to challenge unfair treatment and microaggressions.

Patience and persistence: It may take time to build trust and rapport with your manager. Be patient and persistent, and don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately.

Mentorship and sponsorship: Finding mentors and sponsors can be invaluable for Black women in the workplace. A mentor can provide guidance and support, while a sponsor can advocate for you and help you advance your career.

Twanna Carter, PhD, ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), is a career coach and relationship coach for Twanna Carter Professional & Personal Coaching, LLC. Dr. Twanna is an expert in career coaching for Black women leaders, with a proven track record of helping women achieve their career goals. With more than 20+ years of experience, Dr. Twanna is recognized as an expert in leadership, personal development, business strategy, career development, and lifestyle balance.  Helping professional women navigate change and uncertainty by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to be successful. Schedule a 30-Minute Career Solution Call today. We accept a small number of women, 4, each month. So space is limited.

Curated Reads: Essential Books to Add to Your Personal Library

1. Melaninated Magic: 180 Affirmations to Nurture Your Soul and Unleash Your Black Girl Joy by Twanna Carter, PhD
2. I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace (Successful Black Business Women), Elizabeth Leiba.
3. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler.
4. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini.
5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
6. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg.
7. Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.
8. The Memo, by Minda Harts.
9. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, by James Clear
10. Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life, by Jamie Kern Lima
11. 33 Tools to Remake Your Career by Paul Gabriel Dionne

Read Next:

• 
  Strategic Career Mapping for Executive Black Women: 7 Transformative Ways to Align With Your Brilliance
  If you’ve ever sat in a boardroom and felt both powerful and invisible at the same time, this is for you. Strategic career mapping… Read more: Strategic Career Mapping for Executive Black Women: 7 Transformative Ways to Align With Your Brilliance
• 
  The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Promoted (Hint: It’s Not Your Performance)
  If you’re an accomplished leader but still not getting promoted, it’s frustrating. You’ve exceeded KPIs. You’ve led high-impact initiatives. You’ve mentored teams and delivered… Read more: The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Promoted (Hint: It’s Not Your Performance)
• 
  Why So Many Black Women Executives Secretly Battle Imposter Syndrome (And How They’re Winning Anyway)
  The Hidden Struggle of Black Women Executives For many Black women executives, professional success often hides a quieter internal struggle… …the constant fear of… Read more: Why So Many Black Women Executives Secretly Battle Imposter Syndrome (And How They’re Winning Anyway)
• 
  Executive Burnout Recovery – 9 Powerful, Proven Strategies
  Executive Burnout Recovery Executive burnout recovery is not about weakness, failure, or lack of resilience. For Black women executives, it is often the result… Read more: Executive Burnout Recovery – 9 Powerful, Proven Strategies
• 
  The Hidden Cost of Being the Strong One at Work
  Understanding the “Strong One at Work” Persona There’s always that one person in the office, the one everyone turns to when things fall apart.… Read more: The Hidden Cost of Being the Strong One at Work
• 
  Quiet Cracking: 7 Signs You’re Not ‘Fine’. You’re Burning Out in Silence
  Quiet Cracking, When “I’m Fine” Isn’t the Truth You show up. You meet deadlines. You answer messages with a polite “I’m fine.”But inside, something… Read more: Quiet Cracking: 7 Signs You’re Not ‘Fine’. You’re Burning Out in Silence
• 
  Are You Trapped in Survival Mode? The Real Reason It’s Not Your Fault (and What to Do Next)
  Are You Trapped in Survival Mode? What “Survival Mode” Really Means For many Black women, survival mode isn’t just a phrase, it’s a lived… Read more: Are You Trapped in Survival Mode? The Real Reason It’s Not Your Fault (and What to Do Next)
• 
  Why So Many Smart Black Women Experience Fear of Starting a Business, and Feel Completely Stuck
  The Quiet Struggle Behind Big Dreams Many intelligent, capable Black women dream of owning a business. They envision freedom, flexibility, financial growth, and purpose-driven… Read more: Why So Many Smart Black Women Experience Fear of Starting a Business, and Feel Completely Stuck
• 
  Strategic Career Mapping for Executive Black Women: How to Identify Roles That Reflect Your True Strengths
  Why Strategic Career Mapping Matters More Than Ever In today’s corporate landscape, Strategic Career Mapping has become more than just a buzzword. It’s a… Read more: Strategic Career Mapping for Executive Black Women: How to Identify Roles That Reflect Your True Strengths
• 
  The Fear-Based Leadership Cycle Secretly Running Your Life. And How to Break It
  Fear is a powerful emotion. It can protect you, warn you, and heighten your awareness. But when fear begins to lead you, especially in… Read more: The Fear-Based Leadership Cycle Secretly Running Your Life. And How to Break It
• 
  Redefining Success. How Black Women Executives Are Leading a New Era of Authentic Leadership
  The New Leadership Trend. Redefining Success Across boardrooms, Zoom calls, and LinkedIn feeds, a powerful shift is underway. Women of color, especially Black women… Read more: Redefining Success. How Black Women Executives Are Leading a New Era of Authentic Leadership
• 
  How to Quiet the Inner Critic and Stop Second-Guessing Yourself in High-Stakes Rooms
  Understanding the Inner Critic Your inner critic is that persistent internal voice that judges, doubts, and second-guesses you. Ooften at the worst possible moments.… Read more: How to Quiet the Inner Critic and Stop Second-Guessing Yourself in High-Stakes Rooms