Lydia Payne-Johnson

“There goes the angry black woman”

How many times in your professional career have you been referred to as the “angry black woman?”

When we bring our authentic personas. Usually that means you are educated, well dressed, self-assured and unafraid to speak up. With these qualities, we are often labeled as “ill-mannered,” “ill-tempered,” “unapproachable,” or “angry.” Oh, let’s not forget “people are afraid of you.”

These labels tend to show up in “feedback” or “performance reviews” with the intent to discourage, intimidate or, in many cases, push you out. Stay on track. Stay focused. Be you. Push back. Don’t be afraid to ask from whom, what, where and when these remarks originated. Importantly, ask how and whether those labels have lessened your performance.

More often than not, the response will be silence.

I speak more about this topic on my podcast ‘What’s on your Mind.’ Link in bio.

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