In her new book, Double Outsiders, Jessica Faye Carter reveals the unspoken rules for reaching the executive suite.

Getting tapped as a high-potential employee to fast-track your career is not an exact science. Companies generally select high-potential employees and develop succession plans at high-level meetings, behind closed doors. A combination of factors—including excellent performance, professional image and exposure to key sponsors, mentors and informal networks—is necessary for women of color to get ahead in corporate America.

If you believe that you hold these keys, but your career still seems stalled, it may be time to ask some tough questions. Check in with a trusted friend or advisor to ask: What do you see as developmental opportunities for me? How do you think I am perceived in the organization? What behaviors do you think it takes to be successful at this company?

Get the Signal
Read the “tea leaves.” One way talented women of color miss out on being considered high-potentials is to miss important signals. For even where selection of high-potentials is a secretive process, companies still have ways of indicating who is being groomed for future leadership. Signals may vary somewhat across industries; still, there are some commonalities.

One common signal is an invitation to work on special projects or task forces that report their findings to senior management. These projects allow you to demonstrate your abilities to others in the group and to senior management, providing you with much-needed exposure. The company benefits by testing how its high-potentials work together and by helping them build solid support networks. These networks can help
ensure future success at the company.

Be on the lookout for invitation-only leadership development programs sponsored by your company. If you are invited to such an event, know that you are likely receiving a signal that the company supports your professional development.

Another signal involves increased attention from senior managers and colleagues. This can range from casual
inquiries about your current projects to more frequent invitations for lunch or coffee to “talk shop.” This attention indicates that people like being around you and value your opinion. Conversely, a lack of interest from your colleagues is also telling and may indicate that you are not on your way up the corporate ladder.

And finally, consider your company’s financial investment in you.


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