The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women »

Elaine Meryl Brown is vice president, special markets and Cinemax Group, at HBO. Prior to joining HBO, she was a creative director at Showtime Networks. An Emmy Award–winning writer and the author of the novels Lemon City and Playing by the Rules, she is currently writing a young adult fiction series. She lives in New Jersey.

 
In this engaging and invaluable “mentor in your pocket,” three dynamic and successful black female executives share their strategies to help all black women, at any level of their careers, play the power game—and win.

Rich with wisdom, this practical gem focuses on the building blocks of true leadership—self-confidence, effective communication, collaboration, and courage—while dealing specifically with stereotypes (avoid the Mammy Trap, and don’t become the Angry Black Woman) and the perils of self-victimization (don’t assume that every challenge occurs because you are black or female).

    Some leaders are born, but most leaders are made—and The Little Black Book of Success will show you how to make it to the top, one step at a time.

Publishers Weekly

The authors, all high-level black executives, seek to "support women who do not always have access to coaches, mentors, or the 'Old Boys' Network," and their professional advice is savvy and sensitive to the challenges women of color face in the workplace. They offer self-affirming advice to rev up a career, complete with "MAMAisms"-what the authors describe as aphorisms and "familiar terms, both practical and spiritual, that we grew up with and can draw upon as we travel the road to leadership success." The authors revisit and refresh familiar tips on staying positive, honing skill sets, having a plan of action and following through, networking, and avoiding common workplace dilemmas. They also provide valuable advice on achieving work/life balance and finding guidance, mentorship, and support. Offering sound advice, practical tools, and warm wisdom, this book will help black professional women get and stay on track and maximize their abilities.
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Foreword Angela Burt-Murray xiii

Introduction xvii

1 Always Consider Yourself a VIP 3

2 To Attain Victory, Stay Positive 8

3 Racism Is No Excuse, but It Can Be a Motivator 12

4 Don't Be the Office Mammy 15

5 Use Your Duality to Build Strength 17

6 Acknowledge That There Is a Game and Accept That You Must Play 19

7 What You Have to Say Is Just as Important as What Others Have to Say, So Speak Up 22

8 Aretha Was Right: R-E-S-P-E-C-T 26

9 Listen Up! Understanding What's Said v. What's Meant 28

10 Always Have a Plan of Action and Follow Through 32

11 Don't Let Your Emotions Get the Best of You 35

12 Developing Good Relationships with Co-Workers Has More Benefits Than You Think 39

13 Communicate Clearly in Person and on Paper 41

14 Know Your Value 45

15 To Measure Your Performance, Get Feedback 48

16 Perception: It's Not Only about How You See Yourself 51

17 Seek Guidance and Support 54

18 Surround Yourself with the Right People: You Cannot Survive in Isolation 57

19 Step Outside Your Comfort Zone 59

20 Regardless of Your Position, Learn about Your Department, Your Company, and Your Industry 62

21 Entitlement: Nobody Owes You Anything 64

22 The Values You Were Raised with in Church Aren't Always Valued in Business 69

23 Not Everyone Has to Be Your BFF 73

24 Motivate Others by Playing Up Their Strengths 76

25 Do Not Let Distractions (or a Difficult Boss) Throw You Off Course 80

26 Always Try to Maintain Balance 85

27 The N-Word: Networking 88

28 Change Is Inevitable, So Be Prepared 91

29 Bring Your Brand to the Table: Blend into the Crowd While Still Being Yourself 94

30 You Don't Need to Have All the Answers to Take Advantage of the Opportunities 98

31 What You See Is What You Create 100

32 Use Conflict as an Opportunity to Solve Problems 104

33 Don't Be Defeated by the Madness: Keep Your Sanity 107

34 Know How to Create and Use Power 111

35 No One Leadership Style Fits All: Know When to Mix It Up 116

36 Coaches Are Not Just for Athletes 120

37 Celebrate Your Arrival at the C-Suite 123

38 Maintain Your Seat at the Table: Here's What It Takes 126

39 Seeing the Writing on the Wall 130

40 Reach Back and Bring Others Along 133

Acknowledgments 137