We are the Diversified Workplace -- Can't We All Just Get Along?

Hello, Natural Professional Community.  

The first topic I'd like to address is:  We are the Diversified Workplace -- Can't We All Just Get Along?  I found an interesting article which sparked me to do some research on Naturals in the workplace.  Here's one: http://bglhonline.com/2011/05/professional-roll-call-natural-hair-at-work/

Whether you wear an Afro, a TWA, (otherwise known as an, after the big chop Teeny, Weenie Afro), twists, coils, or locs (sisterlocs or other kinds of locs), isn't the real point here, is whether or not whatever you wear (along with the rest of you) well groomed at work?  That, I believe is the key.  How you wear your naturalness on the job, in an interview, or at a business meeting.  What is the statement (if any) are you attempting to make as a natural in a professional world.  I'd like to quote a portion of an article I read about being a professional

"A professional is passionate, motivated, and punctual. A professional respects the respectable, but admires the inspirational. A professional is a seeker of knowledge but also a teacher. A professional is disciplined, has the highest standards, and is engaged in the constant pursuit of un-attainable perfection. A professional is restless and never satisfied, always evaluating and re-evaluating where they’ve come and finding ways to do what they are doing better now, today, moment to moment.

I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.  -- Leonardo da Vinci, artist, d. 1519, last words;

Resource article: http://envoc.com/2010/12/professional/

Over the years, as more and more Black men and women (who are primarily the ones leading the change) have chosen to forego relaxers and the mainstream methods of traditional hair care for a more naturally-based alternative; wearing our natural texture has come to the forefront. and because it has, it raises questions regarding exactly what IS acceptable in an increasingly diverse workplace. With The Civil Rights Act of 1964 being enacted, The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission policy is very clear regarding race and color discrimination in the workplace regarding appearance and grooming.  For the sake of space, here is the link to that policy: http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/race-color.html#VIIB5  Please pay particular attention to the appearance and grooming section, particularly as it pertains to hair. (I am sure you will find it very enlightening.)

With these EEOC policies in place, Human Resources departments around the world are continually faced with the need to redefine what is "acceptable" and "unacceptable" in business dress standards in the workplace, and accomplish this without discriminating against Blacks and other minorities in an increasingly diversified workforce. At the same time, there needs to be guidance and information that defines and upholds standards of excellence in image development for naturals conducting business in a global economy.  What is your take on this issue?

Do you feel that being natural compromises your professional presence at work? If so, why?  What challenges if any, have you observed and encountered as either a transitioning natural, or a newly natural where you work or do business?  When you became a natural, you still possess the experience, passion and expertise that you had before you made the transition, right?  Has anything changed since you've made the big reveal at work or in your place of business?  Are you a business owner or a manager with naturals employed at your place of business?  How IS that working for you?  If it isn't working, what challenges are you experiencing?  What are some of the "no-nos" you have observed in naturals that you would like to bring to the blog for discussion? What would you like to see happen as this movement continues?  (We must accept the fact that the embracing of our natural state of the diversification of hair texture is something that is too culturally important to be just a trend.) Let's blog about it, here. And please spread the word.  


I believe what is missing is re-education of what exactly is "natural" and what are the appropriate grooming practices available for those in the business world to present a mature and well put together professional image, so that you can continue to present yourself in the best light, even as a natural. 

I'd like to know your thoughts on this matter. Don't be shamed, and please, don't be shy.  We're in this to win it for everyone.

Stay natural!

The Natural Professional 

My Personal Journey

For me, it began as it did for most of us, with the rite of passage as a young girl: my first perm.  The burning and frying of my scalp was a small price for (even moreso because I was tender headed) anything that would make navigating through my then thick hair easier, was something I was definitely game for. Anything was better than having someone rake through my "nappy" hair like a lawn mower. Over the years, the price I paid for beauty seemed worth it, and boy did I pay it. Now that I look back on that and my long history with relaxers, curly perms  and other chemicals on my hair, and consider the (gratefully minimum) damage that has been done to my hair and scalp, I wonder what I ever needed a relaxer for, considering the texture that I have. All I need was the right products and the right INFORMATION to understand  the hair I've been given and how to properly groom it.  I could have been spared the pain and damage of NOT knowing what to do with the hair I've been given.  But no time for tears now! It's time to be: The Natural Professional!

Let the Understanding Begin -- Introduction to The Natural Professional

You've just decided to become natural, or you've been natural for quite some time, but are hiding under wigs and weaves to "fit it" at work. But secretly, you really want to just be yourself and wear your crowning glory.  But you're not sure how that (and you) will be perceived. Like it or not, being a Natural changes things. The journey into becoming a natural is as personal one, and honestly, should be respected and celebrated.  But is it?

For other ethnic groups, it may not be that big of a deal, because they've had their natural hair all of their lives.  learning to deal with it was as normal as growing up was.  But for us, of the darker hue, it really means a lot.  For decades, or even centuries our natural texture of hair has been degraded, misunderstood, laughed at and then altered and again and again, into what was considered "acceptable" at the expense of our health and true beauty. For some, it was noticing the thinning or balding of your hair, and you needed a better solution than wigs, weaves or hair replacement.  For me, becoming natural was the result of suffering one too many negative effects of chemicals and relaxers, and one evening my scalp said ENOUGH!!!  For others, becoming natural was simply a rite of passage into discovering and declaring your true identity to the world. Lastly, all things considered, it's just more affordable to go natural, because we all know how much time and money can be spent at the "shop".

Today there is so many resources and courageous people who have trailblazed the way for the rest of us to embrace our true natural beauty, male and female alike.  Therefore there is a way for Naturals to be naturally professional and Professionals do not have to be limited to cookie cutter styles.  there is room for diversity. Well that is what The Natural Professional blog exists -- to find answers to those questions and to bridge the gap between ethnicity and proper protocol in business.  To promote understanding.  We will also feature guest bloggers who are experts in their field who will contribute their views on this hot issue.  All to empower naturals and non-naturals alike to experience lasting success in their workplaces.

Whatever your reasons for becoming a Natural, you took that leap and chopped of all that relaxed hair you had.  Feeling free and liberated now that you've been transitioning and finally did the Big chop, you're probably looking at your beautiful hair and wondering.... OH MY God!  I've got to go to work tomorrow!  What do I do NOW? You're in business or you have a great job, and you are a success in your field. A mover and shaker in your industry.  But how do you incorporate "being a Natural person into your place of business successfully? Or you may be a business owner or hiring manager in a corporation.  You've seen more than your share of diversity at work and in interviews and you really want to know how to handle it rightly. (HR is watching...)

 First question up for discussion on this blog is: We are the Diversified Workplace -- Can't We All Just Get Along?

Welcome to The Natural Professional

I am SO Excited!  and I welcome you to The Natural Professional Blog.  This is born of a personal journey to live my most authentic self and still represent the best to the marketplace.  It's about fully embracing the brightness that is within and diffusing it out in solutions that benefit people from all walks of life.  This blog is for everyone of all ethnicities.  This is for YOU, the consumate Professional. You have worked hard to arrive at the place where you are.  The only thing is, you're a Natural.  you have chosen to wear your tresses without the need of relaxers and such.  that is a GOOD thing.  But, as you're embracing your newly discovered self, and learning how to properly care for your natural textures, the next thing to consider is how to successfully integrate into today's marketplace or workforce without sacrificing either your professional status or your ethnicity.  there is a 'bridge over your troubled waters" as it were, or a common ground to achieve this.

The Natural Professional Blog is that bridge between ethnicity and suitable corporate business practice. Here is where I partner with you, the natural community, and the business community, to provide a forum for expressions, tips, and resources for YOU, the natural professional, to successfully make your mark in today's business world of work.  Please email me with your comments, suggestions and let's all bloom together as we make a mark that cannot be erased in the marketplace.