A recent study conducted by the Center for Work-Life Policy found that at least 15 percent of women have slept with their bosses. The research also indicated that 37 percent of executive women know a female colleague who has had an affair with their boss that ultimately resulted in a career boost. These findings seem to validate many water cooler gossip discussions that covertly transpire around the country.
For many highly educated, intelligent and exceptional African-American women, these research results clearly do not reflect the underlying reason for their well-deserved mobility up the corporate ladder. Though the path is still extremely tough for African-American women to enter middle management and the C-suite life for senior executives, it is imperative that our women continue to push forward with tenacity, hard work, courage, and innovation. To avoid becoming a part of the infamous 15 percent statistic and losing respect as a leader, it is highly recommended that African-American women adhere to the following principles:
Practice integrity. Typically, high-level promotions require mentorship and sponsorship by an existing senior executive- who, in most cases, is male and married. One of the best ways to find favor with a powerful executive and to avoid illicit liaisons is to simply practice integrity. It is integrity that helps you to do the right thing, to tell the truth and to stand up for what you believe is right.
Surround yourself with wise counsel. Based on personal discussions with C-suite executives that span different industries, all of them had a small network of counselors. It essential to have individuals who will not only give you great advice but will also hold you culpable relative to any potential illicit relationship with your boss.
Do not pledge allegiance to your boss. Certainly, you want to practice humility and display proper respect toward your boss or sponsor. But, don’t flirt with disaster. It is imperative to be clear with your boss about the work relationship and to establish boundaries from the commencement. When boundaries are not established, a furtive affair with your boss is almost inevitable.
Raise your level of self-respect and expectancy. Oftentimes, most women who engage in clandestine relationships with their boss have low self-respect and meager levels of expectancy. Intelligent and hard-working women who have healthy self-respect and who continually expect increase, promotion and favor in their lives do not need to sleep with their boss to move ahead in their career.
Do not show casual affection to your boss. In many cases, people in the workplace wrongly interpret cursory hugs, eye contact or the slightest touch as suggestive body language. To avoid such erroneous thoughts, it is highly recommended that you reserve casual forms of affection for your loved ones. Of course, some individuals may perceive you to be cold and aloof. But, ultimately, once you attain your promotion, you can smile knowing that you have not lost the respect of others, damaged any relationships or become part of the infamous 15 percent statistic.
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