Black Faces in High Places by Randal D.Pinkett

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.” 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.

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. I managed to overt a workplace meltdown, but it just prolonged the inevitable. I feared that I would curse the entire Board of Directors out. I remember the day I called my pastor from work crying. And when my “Black Faces in White Places' moment occurred I was shocked and appalled. I had no mentor’s or network connections. As a matter of fact, I had no idea what the game was. I was qualified for the position, but unprepared to play the game. I was one of only two African Americans to hold that position in that Department. I’d taken a high profile position with a Prestigious Institution as the Senior Research Project Coordinator of a multi-million dollar federal grant.

Black Faces in High Places by Randal D.Pinkett