Discover Your Professional Superpower!
Welcome to our Margin Leaders Assessment, designed specifically for Black and marginalised professionals like you! This quiz will help you uncover your unique strengths and how you can leverage them to thrive in your career. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, understanding your temperament, situation and environment, can be a game-changer. Ready to explore the Margin Leader you are and want to become?
Summary of the Four Phases
- Stepping In This stage reflects the initial step into your job and career as a black professional, focusing on the beginning of the journey and establishing a presence. Learn more
- Navigating the Terrain This phase highlights the process of finding your way, adapting to the professional environment, and building resilience. Learn more
- Strategic Ascent This phase emphasises intentional career growth, leveraging opportunities, and strategically advancing within the organisation and industry. Learn more
- Empowered Evolution: This phase reflects continuous adaptation and growth, where as a black professionals you refine your skills, expand your influence, and mentor the next generation. Learn more
Description of the Four Phases
Stepping In Phase
Your responses show that you are predominantly in the Entry Phase: In this initial stage, you are just beginning your journey in a new role or environment. It’s a time of exploration and learning, where you are getting acquainted with your responsibilities and the dynamics of your workplace. This phase is characterized by a lack of movement in job or personal growth, and interpersonal discomfort may be present. As a Black professional, you might experience subtle forms of exclusion or feel the pressure to conform to avoid standing out. Embrace this time to absorb new information, understand the expectations, and start building relationships. Remember, it’s okay to feel reserved as you navigate this new terrain, and it’s important to seek out allies and mentors who can support you.
Navigating the Terrain Phase
Your responses show that you are predominantly in the Adjusting Phase: As you move into the adjusting phase, you start to gain a clearer understanding of your role and the workplace culture. This stage may involve feelings of dissatisfaction and frustration, often leading to more vocal expressions of your experiences. As a Black professional, you might encounter overt or covert racial biases, which can exacerbate feelings of anger and low self-confidence. Use this phase to refine your skills, build resilience, and develop meaningful connections with your colleagues. This stage is essential for personal growth, as it helps you identify areas for improvement and strategies for managing workplace dynamics. It’s also a time to assert your identity and address any racial stereotypes or microaggressions constructively.
Empowered Evolution
Your responses show that you are predominantly in the Planned Growth Phase: In the planned growth phase, you take a proactive approach to your career development. You start setting clear goals and creating strategies to achieve them. This stage is marked by a more diplomatic and thoughtful approach to interactions, as well as a focus on managing emotions effectively. As a Black professional, you may still face racial challenges, but you learn to navigate them with greater skill and confidence. Embrace this period as a time to advance towards your career aspirations, leveraging your growing experience and insights to navigate challenges with confidence. This phase is about moving towards your career goals with a well-established plan, while also advocating for yourself and others in the workplace.
Success Phase
Your responses show that you are predominantly in the Success Phase: The success phase is where you see tangible progress and achievements in your career. You have met your basic goals and are now setting new, more challenging ones. Your style is well-developed, and you interact with colleagues confidently and effectively. As a Black professional, you have learned to manage more of your responses to racial biases, and you no longer rely on external validation to affirm your worth. Celebrate your successes and continue to push your boundaries, knowing that you have the skills and experience to achieve even greater heights. This phase reflects a mature understanding of your capabilities and a strategic approach to your career, with a focus on mentoring others and contributing to a more inclusive workplace. It doesn’t mean that you will never revert to other phases but, this is less often the case.
Types Of Organisations
Two types of organisations and the responses of the four different temperaments