Minority Rules

June 19, 2006
Before explaining how to use ethnicity to one's professional advantage, Roldan spends almost two-thirds of this book arguing that minorities need to lose any illusions they may harbor about succeeding without learning to understand and play by corporate and majority rules. From his position as CEO of a top minority recruiting firm and former employment discrimination attorney, Roldan matter-of-factly details the obstacles to the advancement of Hispanic, Asian, African-American and female employees, and the self-defeating behavior that can keep promising managers from rising. His emphasis is on creating a personalized plan of action based on stellar performance and on building relationships, choosing mentors, networking and mastering corporate politics while outperforming competitors at every rung of the ladder. Intended for ambitious people, these are well constructed and tested lessons, supported by examples from the career paths of prominent executives like Merrill Lynch CEO Stan O'Neal. Roldan also highlights myths and mistakes that are commonly and easily made along the way, such as failing to leverage one's ethnic background into an area of expertise or resisting assimilation into the corporate culture. While he targets a specific segment of readers, Roldan's clear-eyed advice on what it takes to succeed in corporate America would benefit a reader of any background.

August 1, 2006
In this age of debate on expanding immigration and diversity, and ambivalence toward affirmative action, Roldan offers a framework designed to enhance the experience of minorities and women in corporate environments. He is well informed by his experience as CEO of his own minority recruiting firm and prior experience as an attorney addressing claims of employment discrimination. Roldan takes a balanced and insightful approach, addressing both internal and external tensions and obstacles. He advises minorities to find a mentor who can provide direction and support in pursuit of goals. Mentors can be inside or outside the workplace, including business or professional associations. Roldan warns against overdependence on support sources within the ethnic group because restricted numbers undercut the prospects of a tandem rise and a rising star. This is a practical, hands-on approach that critiques the potential pitfalls for individuals and corporations as it reveals much of corporate culture. This book will find readership among minorities and corporations concerned with improving the work environment and others desiring insight on the issues of minorities and the workplace.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)