A recent study conducted by the Center for Work-Life Policy found that at least 15 percent of women have slept with their bosses. The research also indicated that 37 percent of executive women know a female colleague who has had an affair with their boss that ultimately resulted in a career boost. These findings seem to validate many water cooler gossip discussions that covertly transpire around the country.
For many highly educated, intelligent and exceptional African-American women, these research results clearly do not reflect the underlying reason for their well-deserved mobility up the corporate ladder. Though the path is still extremely tough for African-American women to enter middle management and the C-suite life for senior executives, it is imperative that our women continue to push forward with tenacity, hard work, courage, and innovation. To avoid becoming a part of the infamous 15 percent statistic and losing respect as a leader, it is highly recommended that African-American women adhere to the following principles: