Leading in Black and White: Working Across the Racial Divide in Corporate America (J-B CCL (Center for Creative Leadership)) [Hardcover]

Ancella B. Livers (Author), Keith A. Caver (Author)

Book Description

Series: J-B CCL (Center for Creative Leadership) | Publication Date: October 31, 2002

Many blacks in the workplace face a set of dynamics unique to being African American in a traditionally white, male-dominated world. In this landmark book, authors Ancella Livers and Keith Caver-- co-facilitators of the Center for Creative Leadership's African-American Leadership Program for the past five years-- explain how the leadership experience for blacks is radically different from the experiences of their white colleagues. These differences, of which most white managers are unaware, can lead to miscues and distortions in communication and ultimately get in the way of effective performance and optimal productivity for organizations. In Leading in Black and White, the authors not only clearly explain how things go wrong, they also provide sensible solutions for both the white manager and the black manager on how to make them right.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The authors, long-standing cofacilitators at the Center for Creative Leadership's African American Leadership Program, draw upon their own expertise and past studies conducted by the CCL to produce this insightful study of the misunderstandings and miscommunications that hinder effective interactions in the diversified workplace. The work is grounded in 39 in-depth interviews conducted by the CCL from 1996 to 1997, a survey of 270 African American professionals conducted in 1999-2000, and the authors' own in-depth interviews of another 20 black professionals between 2000 and 2001. The authors focus on six commonalities shared by the interviewees: a distinctive perception of identity, feelings of responsibility for other blacks, heightened attention to race and gender, challenges in networking, a need for mentoring, and approaches to office politics. By conducting these interviews, the authors hope to expand our understanding of racial differences in the workplace and to suggest what can be done about them. Recommended for public libraries with a business clientele as well as for academic libraries with programs in business management.
Rona Ostrow, Lehman Coll. Lib., CUNY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“A readable and valuable discussion of important issues.” (Long Range Planning, no. 38, 2005)

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (October 31, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787957240
• ISBN-13: 978-0787957247
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #581,273 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unlocking the Value of Your Potential, August 31, 2008

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Annalisa Adams-Qualtiere (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Leading in Black and White: Working Across the Racial Divide in Corporate America (J-B CCL (Center for Creative Leadership)) (Hardcover)

In corporate America, it is important to recognize that difference "really does matter". Assuming that all leaders experience the same challenge in the workplace situates blacks on unequal footing; say Ancella Livers co-author of the book Leading in Black and White and author of Harvard Business Review "Dear White Boss". Moreover, she is right. Leading in Black and White examines the workplace dynamics often faced by the African American leader and illuminates the experience using real examples and techniques professionals can use to navigate the corporate forest. The examples are ones you will recognize if you are an African American leader. The concept of "miasma" is introduced early in the book setting the foundation for frank discussion and candor on the topics of development needs, career strategies, personal and professional development. I was challenged by this book to understand my environment--how well did (or do) I read the organization; understand self--how self-aware was I and, to understand my abilities and competencies in my current role. It also provided me with an opportunity to openly put forth a question to my organization: how well do they understand the African American leader. The book equipped me with specific strategies in the areas of education, relationship building, trust and coping skills. It also provides tools for non-blacks. It challenged them to look deeply into their actions and responsibilities in perpetuating attitudes, behaviors, and methods that benefit their own group while "quietly disempowering" others. This is necessary read for leaders: black and white.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Leaders and Diversity Change Agents, April 23, 2011

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Michelle - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Leading in Black and White: Working Across the Racial Divide in Corporate America (J-B CCL (Center for Creative Leadership)) (Hardcover)

I read this book in grad school and found it enlightening. In some cases, it reaffirmed my feelings about the workplace and in others it opened my eyes. I think all leaders should read this book. It is especially helpful for those focused on increasing diversity in the workplace.