They Didn't Like Our Style - "Kaloma Cardwell v Davis Polk, et al." Is Resonating

It's a very old issue in how some jobs derail: "They" didn't like our style. And it still happens frequently, even though the current hiring process is structured to weed out those who don't seem a cultural fit. 

This matter of professional stylistics could be among the myriad reasons why the racial bias/retaliation lawsuit "Kaloma Cardwell v Davis Polk, et al." is getting plenty of attention. In itself, though, this jury trial could be seminal. It is rare that a bias complaint makes it all the why to that. The last time that happened was 2015 in “Ellen Pao v Kleiner Perkins.” The plaintiff lost. A team of lawyers from prestigious Paul, Weiss is defending Davis, Polk. Of course, that also signals the importance.

Back to stylistics. It has come out that the plaintiff black lawyer Kaloma Cardwell was perceived in a negative way because his body language was interpreted as too relaxed. Is the ethos of that law firm to be wired with tension? If so, should the plaintiff Cardwell have picked up on that and shifted to coming across as hyper and stressed? 

Another possible violation of cultural norms was for Cardwell to turn down possible assignments. Cardwell could have clicked on professional anonymous networks such as Reddit and asked how doing so would be perceived. The feedback typically is spot-on. Even in less-high-stakes corporate jobs in which I worked it was verboten to refuse an assignment or to appear uneager to accept added responsibility. 

Except for those who were unusually socially/politically astute from the get-go in a career, most of the rest of us have gone through some version of the "they" not liking our style. Boy did that throw us for a loop. It usually was obvious we wouldn't recover from that assessment and we left. Either voluntarily or involuntarily. 

Therefore, part of our response to this trial is compassion for Cardwell. Yes, we have been there. But simultaneously we wonder why Cardwell, given that the expected code of behavior at Big Law is so well known, presented himself in those ways? The goodies for conformance are plentiful, ranging from the ability to keep that well-paying position to rising in the organization as Counsel, NonEquity Partner and Equity Partner.

In my coaching practice I tutor ambitious professionals on how to "mirror" the organization and those whose support they need. Mirroring is an art. Imitate too closely and you become a caricature and also lose your own sense of self. Don't do enough of it and your presence can irritate.

Complimentary confidential intuitive coaching session. No pressure. Maybe even some lightness of being. Please contact Jane Genova for an appointment (text/phone 203-468-8579 or email at janegenova374@gmail.com)