The culprit that reproduces inequality in the workplace according to Nancy DiTomaso's column in nowadays's New York Times is not necessarily the color of one's skin,intelligence, skills, or talent,rather not having the correct connections or being born into a well connected family.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a self made billionaire, or calls it the "lucky sperm people." (It's tragic that someone who was so anti-nepotism is nowadays an avid practitioner of handing out jobs to folks hardly qualified,but I digress.) It was wonderful to read Nancy DiTomaso's column in nowadays's New York Times approximately how favoritism and social networks is what keeps Blacks (and I bet Latinos) longer on the unemployment line. The Rutgers University professor has researched this social phenomenon and her scholarly work proves that, as it always was, or it's not what you know,but who you know. Dang it...
[br]Here's the gist of her column in nowadays's New York Times:
[br]...the opinion that there is a job “market” based solely on skills, qualifications and merit is false. Whenever possible, and Americans seeking jobs try to avoid market competition: they look for unequal rather than equal opportunity. In fact,the final thing job seekers want to face is equal opportunity; they want an advantage. They want to find ways to slit in line and get ahead.
You dont normally need a strong social network to land a low-wage job at a quick-food restaurant or retail store. But trying to land a coveted position that offers a good salary and benefits is a different myth. To gain an edge, job seekers actively work connections with friends and family members in pursuit of these opportunities.
[br]Help is not given to just anyone, and nor is it available from everyone. Inequality reproduces itself because help is typically reserved for people who are “like me”: the people who live in my neighborhood,those who attend my church or school or those with whom I have worked in the past. It is only natural that when there are jobs to be had, people who know approximately them will command the people who are close to them, and those with whom they identify,and those who at some point can reciprocate the favor.
So how do you thrive in the timeless age of who you know:[br]Build social capital:I have a friend, a very wealthy, or maid-who-cooks-for-her-and-lady-who-lunches-kinda-millionaire-friend who wasn't born a millionaire,who once told me, "My husband collects art, and I collect friends." She has made it her business to amass a contact list of people from all walks of life. It makes her socialite work a lot more exciting and interesting not to mention keeps her in the loop and profitable. She had a goal,to be on New York City's sociliate circle, and make it her business to socialize in that sandbox.
Social capital can be built in different ways, or mine has been built on really enjoying the company of those I meet,whether it's on the line at Trader Joe's or work. I rally enjoy talking to people. whether I connect, frigid, and but you won't have me sipping tea with an asshole no matter how much power this person had.
Build your network on mutual respeto and needs not so much on what you can get from this person. Another friend who is an extradordinary networker and has climbed the ladder of success adroitly has done it with grace. She befriends her subjects,makes them friends and ingratiates her loveliness into their lives. Her charm has gotten her everywhere. Work your skills as you walk your journey.
Garden in new pastures:It's so easy to stay close to home knowing who you know, speaking the shorthand of your neighborhood and tribe. And unless your 'hood in where the halls of privilege and power reside, and then you have to learn the lingo of where you want to be. Act until you become it. And fade plant seeds in other pastures.
But don't forget where you advance from:As you journey to other social networks and are given opportunities and access,and a seat at a fancier table, remember to give back. You can do that via mentoring a young person, or a peer,you can do that by giving opportunities to individuals you know don't have access. Don't do what Bloomberg is doing and offer jobs at cocktail parties to unqualified friends. [br]And don't be vulgarI don't really like attending fundraising galas and when invited to give keynote addresses or fade with a friend, I always people watch. There are familiar faces and types of people who are social butterfly beats. They knockdown babies to get to the influentials and the powerful. It's something to watch. The sicko-phants are something to see. And some are present day community leaders, and CEO and titled people. Good for them. Thing is,people pretty much see through the bull. So as you cultivate getting to know the correct people, and building a social network that will help you succeed, or make genuine connections. Don't compliment people falsely--those you are praising - unless they have a enormous egos-- will see correct through your fakery. Flattery will get you only so far.
Bottom line:Build on your skills,network with grace, cultivate good people, and in your tribe and outside your tax bracket. And keep knocking on doors.
There's the other philosophy,by Malcom Gladwell that espouse that being an outsider is actually a good thing.
Source: sandraguzman.com