Abstract
Purpose. The primary purpose of this qualitative case study was to identify the leadership practices of African American women leaders as described by Kouzes and Posner's Leadership Practices Inventory Self (LPI-Self). The secondary purpose of this study was to explore the shared consciousness of the lived experiences of African American women leaders as tall poppies (TPs). Methodology. Kouzes and Posner's Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) was employed to gain quantitative data to determine which leadership practices were perceived to be most important by African American women leaders. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed in light of critical race theory (CRT). The CRT framework guided this research in understanding how African American women leaders describe their lived experiences as TPs. Findings. Findings revealed that leadership practices for these particular African American women leaders were (1a) model the way and (1b) encourage the heart. Two identified themes were (2a) fundamental lack of respect for the African American women leader by way of questioning her abilities and authority both publically and privately and (2b) personal attacks while maligning the reputation of the African American women leader in conjunction with sabotaging their credibility. The study also revealed that African American women leaders have developed strategies for coping with female staff members suffering from tall poppy syndrome (TPS). Conclusions. The study indicated the importance of providing information regarding African American women leaders and their lived experiences as TPs, so that individuals are aware and conscious of occurrences involving TPS, which in turn will help minority women in preparing for the challenges that their leadership will bring. The study also revealed that, overall, women need to understand the adverse attitudes and behaviors of other women and how negative conditions affect organizations as a whole. Recommendations. A study of how White women describe their lived experiences as TPs would allow a different perspective and enhance and capture the complexity of this human experience. An examination of the most effective strategies by women leaders which were proven to be operational in fostering positive workplace relationships in Fortune 500 organizations, furthering the refinement of this important topic.