What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Faces in White Places: 10 Game-Changing Strategies to Achieve Success and Find Greatness
Discover how African-American professionals can combine their personal strengths with the wisdom of others to plant the seeds of a positive, lasting legacy in the workplace.
Randal Pinkett was the first African-American winner on The Apprentice. When he won, he also became the only contestant to be asked to share his victory with a white woman.
For generations, African-Americans have been told that they need to work twice as hard as everyone else to succeed. However, as millions of black Americans were reminded by Pinkett's experience, sometimes hard work is not enough.
Black Faces in White Places is about "the game", the competitive world in which we all live and work. The book offers 10 revolutionary strategies for playing, mastering, and changing the game for the current generation, while undertaking a wholesale redefinition of the rules for those who will follow.
In this book, you
Expand yourself beyond your comfort zoneRecognize and demonstrate the four facets of excellenceBuild beneficial relationships and powerful networksIdentify different mentors and learn from others' experiencesDiscover ways of working with others to facilitate collective actionBased on the authors' considerable experiences in business, in the public eye, and in the minority, the book shows how African-American professionals can (and must) think and act both entrepreneurially and "intrapreneurially".
Black Faces in White Places not only explains shattering the old "glass ceiling” and changing the concept of success, but also examines the four dimensions of the contemporary black identity, society, meritocracy, and opportunity.
Randal Pinkett was the first African-American winner on The Apprentice. When he won, he also became the only contestant to be asked to share his victory with a white woman.
For generations, African-Americans have been told that they need to work twice as hard as everyone else to succeed. However, as millions of black Americans were reminded by Pinkett's experience, sometimes hard work is not enough.
Black Faces in White Places is about "the game", the competitive world in which we all live and work. The book offers 10 revolutionary strategies for playing, mastering, and changing the game for the current generation, while undertaking a wholesale redefinition of the rules for those who will follow.
In this book, you
Expand yourself beyond your comfort zoneRecognize and demonstrate the four facets of excellenceBuild beneficial relationships and powerful networksIdentify different mentors and learn from others' experiencesDiscover ways of working with others to facilitate collective actionBased on the authors' considerable experiences in business, in the public eye, and in the minority, the book shows how African-American professionals can (and must) think and act both entrepreneurially and "intrapreneurially".
Black Faces in White Places not only explains shattering the old "glass ceiling” and changing the concept of success, but also examines the four dimensions of the contemporary black identity, society, meritocracy, and opportunity.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2010
54 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 10, 2011
I wish I’d had this book a decade ago. I needed it desperately. I’d taken a high profile position with a Prestigious Institution [which I won't name] as the Senior Research Project Coordinator of a multi-million dollar federal grant. I was one of only two African Americans to hold that position [male or female] in that Department. I was qualified for the position, but unprepared to play the game. As a matter of fact, I had no idea what the game was. I had no mentor’s or network connections. And when my “Black Faces in White Places" moment occurred I was shocked and appalled. I was unable to recover. I remember the day I called my pastor from work crying. I feared that I would curse the entire Board of Directors out. He urged me to leave the building. I did. I managed to overt a workplace meltdown, but it just prolonged the inevitable. I quit. I went out and started my own successful Organizational Development and Human Resource Development Consulting Business, but I had flat out failed at playing the game.
The authors have designed this book as a roadmap to help readers transcend their “Black Faces in White Places” moments, redefine the game, and make it easier for the next generation to do the same.” These “moments” they are referring too are when we as African Americans are confronted with unique challenges in the workplace related only to our race. We use to refer to this as the “glass ceiling”, but they suggest we replace that metaphor with what they have coined “the ever-changing game.” This book outlines strategies used by other successful African Americans that will help us “to compete, win, and ultimately change for the better an ever-changing game." The people profiled in this book have “learned the game, played the game, mastered the game, and found themselves in a position to redefine the game.”
“Black Faces in White Places” is filled with valuable information for achieving success in the workplace. These strategies will assist not only young African Americans finishing College, but anyone entering the workplace for the first time. This book outlines a vigorous approach which if applied diligently would compensate for any disadvantage, regardless of race. However, I believe the success solely depends upon whether the person possess the self-determination and strive for excellence mentioned by the authors. This foundation is crucial to any success achieved in the workplace and unfortunately without it, no amount of strategies will help.
The authors came from nurturing families which made for a great foundation towards success. I would have loved for the authors to address how young urban African Americans from a broken homes can develop within themselves the qualities needed to master the “ever-changing game.” This Generation appears to be entering the workplace totally unprepared to go beyond an entry-level experience. They possess no knowledge of how to identify the game, play the game, master the game, let alone redefine the game. Maybe, that will be there next book.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publicist in exchange for a fair review. Compensation was not exchanged.
___________
Dianne Rosena Jones is the founder of Royal Treasures Publishing, a transformational life coach, motivational speaker, and author of “Tragic Treasures: Discovering Spoils of War in the Midst of Tragedy” voted “BEST INSPIRATIONAL BOOK OF THE YEAR [2010]” by readers according to Disilgold Magazine. For more information check out her website at www.royaltreasurespublishing.com
The authors have designed this book as a roadmap to help readers transcend their “Black Faces in White Places” moments, redefine the game, and make it easier for the next generation to do the same.” These “moments” they are referring too are when we as African Americans are confronted with unique challenges in the workplace related only to our race. We use to refer to this as the “glass ceiling”, but they suggest we replace that metaphor with what they have coined “the ever-changing game.” This book outlines strategies used by other successful African Americans that will help us “to compete, win, and ultimately change for the better an ever-changing game." The people profiled in this book have “learned the game, played the game, mastered the game, and found themselves in a position to redefine the game.”
“Black Faces in White Places” is filled with valuable information for achieving success in the workplace. These strategies will assist not only young African Americans finishing College, but anyone entering the workplace for the first time. This book outlines a vigorous approach which if applied diligently would compensate for any disadvantage, regardless of race. However, I believe the success solely depends upon whether the person possess the self-determination and strive for excellence mentioned by the authors. This foundation is crucial to any success achieved in the workplace and unfortunately without it, no amount of strategies will help.
The authors came from nurturing families which made for a great foundation towards success. I would have loved for the authors to address how young urban African Americans from a broken homes can develop within themselves the qualities needed to master the “ever-changing game.” This Generation appears to be entering the workplace totally unprepared to go beyond an entry-level experience. They possess no knowledge of how to identify the game, play the game, master the game, let alone redefine the game. Maybe, that will be there next book.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publicist in exchange for a fair review. Compensation was not exchanged.
___________
Dianne Rosena Jones is the founder of Royal Treasures Publishing, a transformational life coach, motivational speaker, and author of “Tragic Treasures: Discovering Spoils of War in the Midst of Tragedy” voted “BEST INSPIRATIONAL BOOK OF THE YEAR [2010]” by readers according to Disilgold Magazine. For more information check out her website at www.royaltreasurespublishing.com
October 3, 2011
The goal of the book was great and well thought out. Overall, the book was very well written. The authors, however, focused a little too much on themselves and their experiences. In a strategical book that is meant for many to be able to understand and relate to it was often hard feeling like a member of the same group when the experiences put forward were based so much on their experiences and perceptions. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the ideas on networking and thought the book did a great job of providing an easy to follow guideline of sorts for how to navigate white places for black faces.
February 28, 2023
The intent of this book is captured clearly in the title and delivery on that intent was evident from chapter 1. It was written for the African American who strives to live with purpose, have impact on their family, work, and overall community at large not by just being successful, but achieving greatness. The heart of this book is written around 10 strategies that starts with identity and purpose and closes out with giving back generously. The strategies are intended to progress from one to the other giving you the opportunity to assess which one is most relevant for you today and how should you focus on progressing on to the next one. The strategies are unique and very relatable to the African American experience. The book contains teaching from prior generations and highlights key parts of the community such as the church or famous institutes who have help shape life in America for people like me.
I thought the authors did a great job establishing credibility and practical experience to the topic they set out to share in this book then provided solid research and examples to support each strategy shared in the book. It’s impossible to pick one strategy over the other. Each strategy is important and work together. For the purpose of this review I would urge a future reader to be as introspective as possible as they read this book and think of which strategy aligns to their current state and whether or not they are progressing to the next strategy to achieve the greatness build within them. After finishing this book I learned there is a sequel titled Black Faces in High Places. Looking forward to reading this book to continue my learning.
I thought the authors did a great job establishing credibility and practical experience to the topic they set out to share in this book then provided solid research and examples to support each strategy shared in the book. It’s impossible to pick one strategy over the other. Each strategy is important and work together. For the purpose of this review I would urge a future reader to be as introspective as possible as they read this book and think of which strategy aligns to their current state and whether or not they are progressing to the next strategy to achieve the greatness build within them. After finishing this book I learned there is a sequel titled Black Faces in High Places. Looking forward to reading this book to continue my learning.
January 31, 2022
So Many Gems For Life
This book is filled with so many great gems for life! There are countless words to live by in this book from beginning to end. The authors share many real-life narratives from their college days into their careers. I highly recommend this book.
This book is filled with so many great gems for life! There are countless words to live by in this book from beginning to end. The authors share many real-life narratives from their college days into their careers. I highly recommend this book.
October 30, 2016
Pinkett and Robinson offer a much-needed perspective in this excellent book. Through personal narrative, real-life examples, and social science research, they weave together a compelling framework for the readers. Anyone who is the "first" or "the only" or "one of the few" will benefit from this book, and anyone who wants to be an ally to friends, family, and colleagues to them will also benefit. Highly recommend!
January 27, 2012
"We" become use to [for lack of a better phrase] being under represented that at times we never challenge it. The book encourages and provides the motivation to move forward, changing the indentured servitude mentality of the cubicle nation. I believe this applies to folks who feel like outsiders in any dominant culture.
May 28, 2022
A worthwhile reading for aspiring professionals. Key takeaways for me include the necessity and benefits of networks based on purpose.
September 27, 2022
A very good book for Black people who are trying to become professionals and among the educated people of society. A very empowering book.
December 31, 2022
Wasn't really written for me, but I do wonder how my Black friends would feel about this book.
May 28, 2013
"There is always something you can learn from others." from Strategy #5
Black Faces in White Places contains ten strategies that are grouped into four distinct categories:
1) Learning the Game. This is the foundation. It is made up of three strategies designed for self-examination, finding your purpose in life, seeking broad exposure & diverse experiences and demonstrating excellence.
2) Playing the Game. Once you've established your foundation, you move on to relationship-centered activities. The three strategies here are: Build Solid and Diverse Relationships, Wisdom of Others and Strength in Numbers
3) Mastering the Game. This part consists of an ongoing cycle of two complementary strategies: Intrapreneurship and Entrepreneurship.
4) Redefining the Game. Redefining the game is about "...facilitating positive, lasting, widespread change." The two strategies are: Synergy & Scale, Give Back Generously.
If you're a person of color looking for a handbook on how to navigate white corporate America, this is not the book; at least not in its entirety. I found the first two parts, Learning the Game and Playing the Game somewhat stimulating but the latter two seemed more applicable to entrepreneurship, having an entrepreneurial mindset, affecting change in the community and giving back.
Although `Black Faces...' didn't hold my interest from cover to cover, there is always something you can learn from others. No matter what your station is in life, something good can be gleaned from this book.
One final point. The authors chose to - and it's their prerogative to do so - imprint their personal narrative throughout the text by: providing a semi-gratuitous recount of Randal Pinkett's victory on Donald Trump's The Apprentice, providing a glimpse into their religious beliefs and correlating their "Black Faces..." game plan to Kwanzaa.
Black Faces in White Places contains ten strategies that are grouped into four distinct categories:
1) Learning the Game. This is the foundation. It is made up of three strategies designed for self-examination, finding your purpose in life, seeking broad exposure & diverse experiences and demonstrating excellence.
2) Playing the Game. Once you've established your foundation, you move on to relationship-centered activities. The three strategies here are: Build Solid and Diverse Relationships, Wisdom of Others and Strength in Numbers
3) Mastering the Game. This part consists of an ongoing cycle of two complementary strategies: Intrapreneurship and Entrepreneurship.
4) Redefining the Game. Redefining the game is about "...facilitating positive, lasting, widespread change." The two strategies are: Synergy & Scale, Give Back Generously.
If you're a person of color looking for a handbook on how to navigate white corporate America, this is not the book; at least not in its entirety. I found the first two parts, Learning the Game and Playing the Game somewhat stimulating but the latter two seemed more applicable to entrepreneurship, having an entrepreneurial mindset, affecting change in the community and giving back.
Although `Black Faces...' didn't hold my interest from cover to cover, there is always something you can learn from others. No matter what your station is in life, something good can be gleaned from this book.
One final point. The authors chose to - and it's their prerogative to do so - imprint their personal narrative throughout the text by: providing a semi-gratuitous recount of Randal Pinkett's victory on Donald Trump's The Apprentice, providing a glimpse into their religious beliefs and correlating their "Black Faces..." game plan to Kwanzaa.
September 6, 2016
This was a great read. I loved the way they included the fundamental principles of kwanza and spoke on how to leverage your cultural identity to move up within the corporate ladder. The in depth analysis of what it actually takes to become a producer of economic goods vs. being a TOTAL consumer. I recommend this book to anyone needing to find the unspoken "rules" of navigating the murky waters of the corporate world. Good reading my peoples!
October 1, 2024
This was fine. Lots of repeating and inserting faith into a business book randomly. Seemed like it was written quickly with some ideas for entrepreneurs mostly and some other business things. Pushes you to live a life that the authors believe. Business focused in faith and identity. It's a different perspective, but I think focused on his own experience without making it very personal aside from how he made it on The Apprentice. Enlightening in certain ways.
September 5, 2013
This was a great look into what African Americans face in a world that's been dominated by white faces for so long. Randall did a great job laying out the details and what we, as black face people, have to do to succeed in today's business world.
July 8, 2011
The book was average. A lot of the information in the book sounded redundant and over played.. Nonetheless, I would recommend the book to anyone who is in corporate America.
Read
December 10, 2014Good book
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews