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

by Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood, Angela Burt-Murray (Foreword)

This invaluable “mentor in your pocket” by three dynamic and successful black female executives will 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.

Genres: Self Help, Business, Nonfiction, Leadership, Personal Development, Buisness, Feminism

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

RHONDA JOY MCLEAN is Deputy General Counsel of Time Inc. and former Assistant Regional Director of the Northeast Region of the Federal Trade Commission. A graduate of Yale Law School, she served as chair of its alumni association, which has more than 10,000 members, and was recently elected to its fund board of directors. In 2007, McLean was chosen as one of The Network Journals 25 Influential Black Women in Business. Born in Chicago, IL and reared in Smithfield, NC, McLean is a classically trained pianist and mezzo-soprano. She performs sacred music with chorales throughout the New York metropolitan area, where she resides."

Reviews

[Free Ekpe · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you enjoy reading self-help books, congrats! Here’s one written by 3 black women! However, if you’re like me and loathe self-help books, don’t waste your time. Seriously, don’t.... This book rehashes all of the same advice we’re already so used to hearing. I thought I would enjoy it more because it was written by black women but nope. And honestly, I’ve read books that have offered better advice.

[Demetris Cheatham · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the month of February, I chose to read books by African American authors. The first was The Little Black Book Of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women. My husband bought this book for me over a year ago during our first visit to MahoganyBooks (the first black owned bookstore to open in Southeast Washington DC in over two decades; if you haven’t visited this book lovers dream, get there soon).

The Little Black Book of Success was an absolute pleasant surprise. As someone who use to consume multiple professional development books each month earlier in my career, I thought this would just be a rinse and repeat of those same themes. However, these three sisters, Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood and Rhonda Joy McLean (my fellow Aggie) pulled a straight code switch within a 136 page easily digestible read (I read it in three days).

This book literally reminded me of how my conversations go with my close girlfriends when we are out in public. At first we are all polite and speaking so that others can hear. This allows everyone around us to be comfortable that we are just having a normal, regular conversation. Then after a few minutes, we scoot our chairs closer together, lower our heads and then we start having the “what’s really going on conversation!”

Full of lessons and themes that resonated so much with various situations I’ve faced throughout my career, I found myself taking copious notes throughout the book. As I continue climbing the corporate ladder, I am almost certain I will face everything that was mentioned, more than once, and now I have so many new strategies to help navigate the office environment.

I typically give or recommend books such as Think and Grow Rich, Who Moved My Cheese, Tipping Point and a few others to young folks graduating high school or in college. I will definitely add this book as a recommendation to all of my mentees and young women entering the workforce. Now that I think about it, I am recommending this book to all of my friends who have been in their careers for years. Get this book for yourself or another important woman in your life! It will become one of your best friends who also knows exactly what your mom would say!

[Stacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded the audio version of The Little Black Book Of Success via Audible. It was my best friend that told me about this book and I found this book very motivating for my professional career. I feel that this book really put into perspective some feelings and "animosities" I may have harbored against "others". I felt this book was speaking directly to me, personally. This book, again, has been a great motivational tool for me and I plan on reading it multiple times to ensure I gain all the tools I can possible attain from this small, but powerful book and use those tools within my personal and professional life. Thank you for producing a wonderful book that actually has touched multiple different people across the globe, including those with disabilities that "others" may not understand.

[Adrienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I need to buy my copy and highlight all these great points! The Mamaisms and cultural codes are the best parts of the chapters! Short and concise, to the point, and so encouraging to edify the woman who is in leadership, business, or networking on a social level.

First read March 11, 2011.

For some reason, after 5 years of reading this book, I picked it up again at my local library. The three ladies: Elaine, Marsha, and Rhonda stated in their acknowledgment(s): "..reading the proposal saw the potential and need for a book like ours and with great care and sense of urgency, immediately rushed it through to publication to get into the hands of the many thousands of Black women with leadership potential and those transitioning their way to becoming MASTER LEADERS seeking a seat at the table." This is well-received.

[Arienne Milkles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must have for any woman of color looking to grow in their leadership abilities. I read this book and took tons of notes...I love it and have no doubt I will be reading it again in the future.

[Jacqueline A Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book with its suggestions about how to manage your career. Generally the suggestions would seem to apply in many environments although I am not sure how effective they would be in governmental settings. Given that I still think they are worth considering.

[Teji · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for more depth. This is a slim, very basic, introductory book on how to succeed in a majority-centered workplace environment. Be warned that this is very much a “respectability politics” sort of book. Although they felt a little forced at times, I did like the “cultural code” and “momma-ism” touchstones at the end of each chapter. I think this book would be a great gift for someone at the start of their career.

Quotes

“Given how much progress women of African descent have made since the Civil Rights and Women's Rights movements—especially in the past decade as companies have grown more diverse—it would be easy to think challenges in the workplace don't exist. Wrong! Nearly 40 percent of Black women report that they don't have other Black women who can serve as role models. Studies show that during the past decade, Black women have made the smallest gains with regard to employment and high- level positions. For the few who have achieved success in the workplace, their greatest obstacle has been making their organizations acknowledge the value of their skills and contributions.” -Introduction

“A recent Harvard University study [How Unethical Are You? Mahzarin Banaji, Max Bazerman, and Dolly Chugh, Harvard Business Review, 12, 2003.] reveals that while most fair-minded managers judge you according to your merits, there are some who judge you according to unconscious stereotypes and attitudes. It's the kind of prejudice that is not overt. It's prejudice that's subconscious and made through associations that are learned early on. Things commonly associated with each other like thunder and lightning, or gray hair and old age, don't always coexist…Consequently, being exposed to images and associations like Black men and violence, or Black women and drama, or Black people and crime are associations that play out in the workplace just as they do anywhere else. As a result, be aware that managers who claim not to have a prejudice bone in their bodies on a conscious level actually believe they are telling the truth. But deep down, they could be operating with these thought processes or associations in mind.” -Ch3

“Turn racism into the rocket fuel that will propel you to the next level.” -Ch3

“ ‘Acknowledge that there is a game and accept that you must play’. As children we learn to play games, and at an early age we learn they are fun. As we get older we look forward to playing games at recess, then to structured games at gym class...All the while we're learning to play these games and getting better at them, our strategy for winning improves, our understanding of the rules becomes more sophisticated, and we still love the objective of these games, which is to win. At work a similar gaming concept applies, although that game is known as the company's culture. As soon as you land a job or start a new one, you are put into play. This happens whether you like it or not. You become a player who gets moved to achieve company goals, or benched, where you sit in one spot watching as co-workers or other players pass you by, or moved to the sidelines where you're marginalized—or worse, kicked out of the game altogether, a.k.a. ‘fired’. That's just the way it is. To refuse to play the game would be a big mistake and automatically disqualify you from participating in the leadership arena. Make it your mission to figure out what the game is in your environment and at your company…” -Ch6

“The way you speak about your ideas are just as important as the ideas themselves. The sound and forms of speech you use are just as important as the message.” -Ch7

“Good leaders need a variety of leadership styles to be successful. There is no one way to manage a team. However, to learn the style that will work best in any given situation takes knowing yourself as well as the individuals you're working with. Different situations will require different styles of management. A demanding authoritative style may be necessary on one occasion and a democratic consensus building style on another, while transactional style may work best at another time. One style may feel more like a natural fit for you, but as a leader, you should know how to utilize all of these styles because the wrong style for the wrong situation can lead to harmful results, including unhappy employees…Pay attention to your style of leadership and note which style works best and for which situation.” -Ch35

“No matter how smart and talented you are, you didn't become a successful VIP without the help of others. Maybe you had mentors or sponsors in your workplace or a group of trusted advisors as part of your success team, but you had to have help to get to the level you are today. If you haven't done so already, now is the time for you to reach back and help others achieve their leadership goals. You owe it to yourself and to those on whose shoulders you stand to help others. Giving back can be done in a number of ways. Mentoring, donating your time, giving advice and feedback, exposing others to new opportunities and experiences, serving on boards of nonprofit organizations, leading neighborhood groups—these are all ways you can contribute to your communities…You are already a role model for others, whether you're aware of it or not. As a professional Black woman, you are conspicuous in your workplace and others are watching you to see how you handle yourself and your responsibilities…” -Ch40

“It's imperative to take advantage and benefit from the knowledge, advice, and expertise of those who have come before. According to a recent Simmons School of Management study, 85 percent of women of color compared to 70 percent % of white women aspire to be influential leaders. Yet these numbers aren't reflected in the corporate and non-corporate environments, and that will be even more apparent if younger women don't come to seasoned Black women executives to seek advice…” -Ch40

[Leilani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am new to business and leadership material, so I appreciated hearing more about leadership styles, networking, etc. Leadership skills are not explicitly taught in academia so this is a skillset I am trying to improve through my own active learning and deliberate practice. There are many helpful tips in this book to become a great leader. I especially love the "mamma-isms" quotes. A great reference on leadership to have on the shelf. I will definitely be recommending this book to others, and looking into getting my own copy (listened to an audiobook version from the library).

My one complaint is that the chapters are very short, with virtually no references available for further learning/reading. So you will have to do your own homework to find a good follow up book that covers each topic in more depth. But it's a good collection of topics, with some practical and useful tips for each topic, so still a great read.

[Ashley Lhérisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to all women of color navigating a corporate environment or competitive industry. This book emphasizes that we stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, who sacrificed mightily so that we could have the privileges and opportunities we take for granted today. It encourages women to affirm how amazing we our and build our confidence in ourselves. Often as Black women we have to work twice as hard as everyone else to get anywhere. Great reminders that we are worthy and deserving of having the best of everything, and the importance of putting ourselves first as we climb the corporate ladder.

[LaStephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly have to say that I enjoyed the overall message this book offered to black women. However, I was a little turned off by the reference to the "game" and being a "player" in corporate America. Made me feel like I was reading a child's book. That didn't connect with me at all. But what did connect with me were the different chapters of advice to be successful and to succeed. I don't personally see myself ending my career in corporate America, but I will definitely take some of the advice with me in life.

[Jennifer Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt this book was more or less just some practical advice. If you have been in a career or have been coorporate for a while now, most of the advice you should already know. This would be like a refresher to you. However, I would def gift this book out to young women knew to the world of working regardless of their job. One thing I took away is to carry a small notebook with me and what to write in in. I always have a notebook but I don'ttake as many notes as I should. I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Tenee Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really good read and something that all minority women should keep handy. It is a simple quick read with a lot of helpful tips. One of the things that I will say I did not like was the chapter breakdown. I feel that they could have organized the book differently. However, mentors should grab this for their mentees.

[Darlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little jewels of knowledge

This book took a different perspective on becoming a success by showing us we should be orchestrating our own path not just allowing things to happen. Know who you are and what you bring to the table. Look for people who can help you achieve your goals through mentoring or networking. Know your plan and work your plan, and help others along the way.

[Ciana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been a great book to read circa 2006, when I was just starting my career. I think it has some great nuggets of information and presents a good plan for young professionals as they approach their career. But at this point of my life it was a lot of things I learned through trial and error.

[Meggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The little black book of succes brings an important reflection for all black women who are in the work market, whether in the corporate world or in enterprising
It brings paths, shows visions and gives important directions from the point of view of three black women. This book fills a gap that exists in the publishing industry. Perfect!

[Rashida Serrant-Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read this, I made a vow to send it out to a select group of young ladies. I sent one out, I have a few more to send. This is a must read for women in their 20's wanting to really excel in business and in life!

[Lawren M. Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first self help book I have read and for the most part, I enjoyed it. I didn't agree with a lot of the advice they gave but it seemed like the women who wrote the book was trying to help people advance in their careers.

[Farrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leadership Guide that will always lead you in right direction

Leadership Guide that will always lead you in right direction. This was a good easy read to give you advice and guidance for any leadership role.

[Jessica Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5ish rounded up to 4. I hate self help books but I had to read about leadership for a class assignment. This wasn’t terrible considering the circumstances. If you’re a self help girlie you might like it.

[Dionna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must have for every black woman!!! Really enjoyed this easy read; plenty of helpful information on how to become an effective leader and be successful.

[Aleasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great laws for any woman working in a corporate environment but tailored toward women of color and I'm grateful these ladies came together to write this.

[Arianna Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

I loved and appreciated all the insight in the book. The transparency was great and there are things that we know but some won’t say included.

[Introspective Ki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a must read!

I have and will continue to recommend this book to women I know. Lots of actionable items found throughout this book.

[Leatrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leadership books can be written by women too!

[Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of information that benefits the black woman in many different areas of life. I've shared this book with my daughter and shared many of the ideas presented in the book with my husband.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening. I'm not the target audience but it's still great advice given in a compassionate no nonsense way.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this mentor in a pocket book. Fantastic tips for leadership and small business owners alike.

[Carla Fulmore, MBA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and learned concepts that will propel me forward both personally and professionally. I’ll be reading this again and will take notes in my PLN next time.

[Sharita Santa Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought book is very insightful and specific to Black Women in leadership topics. It's not the typical "general information" leadership books tend to provide.

[Yolanda Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound steps to Success

Loved the Mamaisms. These women are phenomenal. Thanks for all the good reminders. Little Black Book of Success was a tremendous read!