Black In Business

In Sunday’s New York Times sports columnist, Bill Rhoden had a compelling article on how NFL players rated their coaches. This is the first known study of this magnitude.In the large corporate world the 360 degree feedback tool is an important part of a managers development. Normally a manager would get evaluated by his staff, peers and boss. The manager would be able to see ratings combined and by individual grouping. Your performance in area such as leadership would be compared to a national industry baseline, as well to a baseline within your company. It can be very humbling or it can put you on a cloud. I always did well on these type of tools and feedback.
The first time I had the 360 feedback was during the early 90s.we received our scores via US mail. We all closed our doors to our private offices and reviewed the data. I was shocked at how well I did. my team loved me! I will never forget seeing 2 white managers, whom thought of themselves as stars, looked pale and shocked as well.They were hurt, stunned and out of touch with their teams. Their plight was made worst by my big smile after feeling love.
I reviewed that paragraph because often times most black managers, managing mostly white teams were highly rated and rated much higher than their white counterparts, particulary their white male counterparts.
This NFL study supports my unscientific conclusion that black managers appear to be better leaders than their white counter parts. The coaches most players would like to play for are as follows; Tony Dungy of the Colts, Bill Belichick of the Patriots, Herman Edwards of the Chiefs, Mike Tomlin of the Steelers, and Lovie Smith of the Bears. Keep in mind there were only 8 coaches that were black but 4 of the most favored top 5 are black.
The bottom 4 least favored to play for are; Tom Coughlin of the Giants,Eric Mangini of the Jets, Belichick and Jeff Gruden of the Buccaneers. The fact that Belichick is on both list indicates the role winning plays. Even though Belichick is considered a jerk by most, his teams win.
The question is why are black leaders better than their white male counterparts. My theory is; we have been treated so bad on our way up, that we know what not to do.White managers can be rude, abusive, angry but that behavior will not be tolerated from a black. Note the personalities of the various head coaches. I would use the word laid back and player coaches to describe most black coaches. What do you think? lets compare campaigns for the US President. Obama has run a sensational campaign, McCain? Erratic, unfocused and no message. Even the public is noticing the tremendous leadership qualities of senator Obama.
Who makes a good leader? Take the time to read Rhoden’s fascinating study.