Are You a Token Worker?
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Watch for Extremes
Research shows that people who feel they are in the position of being a token may swing from overachievement to laying low. The stress associated with maintaining either posture for long periods of time can be tremendous.
Turn the Tables
If you find yourself falling into the role of victim, see if you can switch things around. Think about confronting the situation and addressing behaviors you feel are unacceptable. Before you do this, be clear about the goals you want to achieve in your position and how the negative impact of others' perceptions of you are affecting whether or not you can accomplish those goals. Look for ways to change the dynamics.
Be Observant
If you're interviewing at a company and don't see any minorities in the interviewing process, find out why. You might choose to pioneer. Just make sure you look closely at the environment and understand the office politics before you leap.
Head for the Door
One person's stress is another person's motivator. Only you can determine if the price is worth the rewards. Work is about more than survival -- it's about flourishing as well.
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