TARDY AND CRICHLOW
practices, such as sending emails at late hours, to imply they are hardworking. Black men’s problem in the corporation is that they are often subject to stereotypes that negatively affect their attributed identity. This requires them to do extra identity performance work to succeed. ■ Authenticity Tension: As a result of assimilation, we believe it is not uncommon for Black professionals to experience authenticity tension. With relationship being necessary for achievement and advancement, deciding how much of yourself to bring to the workplace creates a sense of authenticity tension. According to Phillips and others’ article, decades’ worth of studies show that similarity attracts—a phenomenon known as homophily. Being one’s true self, disclosing elements of one’s personal life, and forming social connections are easier within one’s group than they are across a demographic boundary such as the racial background.12 ■ Racial Trauma: A form of race-based stress that affects Blacks and people of color when they experience and witness dangerous events and perceived racial discrimination experiences. For many, racial trauma appears as threats of harm and injury, humiliation, and often witnessing people of color being harmed, which can negatively impact one’s mental health.13 This can look like a top-performing Black employee being let go for the same mistake made by white employees in the workplace. ■ Imposter Syndrome: For people of color, imposter syndrome isn’t just an imaginary voice. Black professionals receive almost daily messages from society that they don’t truly belong. Feeling like an impostor can exacerbate the intensity of discrimination, and discrimination can also exacerbate the impact of impostorism.14 ■ The Glass Cliff: Another scenario that often occurs is that of people of color having their leadership ability tested by being placed in risky initiatives or assignments where they are not expected to succeed.15 This is known as glass cliff assignment. One that appears as if they are breaking through to glass ceiling only to go off a cliff. 36
