If you’re a black male and want to be a successful CEO, it’s better to have a non-threatening ‘babyface’ than one that conveys maturity and power. According to a new study conducted by Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, some people find a serious, mature face on a black man just too scary. Read on:

Black Fortune 500 CEOs with a “babyface” appearance are more likely to lead companies with higher revenues and prestige than Black CEOs who look more mature, an upcoming study says. [American Express CEO, Ken Chenault, pictured above, has the desired, rounded features.]

In contrast with research showing that white executives are hindered by babyface characteristics, a disarming appearance can help Black CEOs by counteracting the stigma that Black men are threatening, according to the study from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

The study is scheduled to be published in the journal Psychological Science in September.

A babyface is characterized by combinations of attributes, including a round face, full cheeks, larger forehead, small nose, large ears and full lips, the study says. Source: Associated Press, ‘Babyface’ look can help Black CEO’s, study says

Do you remember back during the Obama campaign, when quite a number of white progressives were frustrated that Obama wasn’t hitting back hard enough on his critics? A number of us then responded to those critics citing how easily white people perceive black people, black men in particular, as ‘angry’ which then, for many, extrapolates to ’scary.’ The majority never would have voted for a ’scary’ black presidential candidate.

[Study co-author Roert] Livingston said the study indicates that “disarming” characteristics, which have been shown to hinder white executives, can help Black leaders.

“Physical appearance, how you behave, having mixed-race parents — anything that conveys to whites ‘I’m not the typical Black man’ can be helpful,” Livingston said.

That leads to the idea that Black executives face a double standard, he said.

“If you’re a white male, you can exhibit anger, pound your fist, make ultimatums … African-Americans have to adopt a kinder, gentler style of leadership,” Livingston said. “The same sorts of behaviors that are effective for white males can’t be utilized effectively by Black males.”

Livingston said his conclusion is not that babyface Black CEOs reached the pinnacle of success because of their looks: “I’m saying that African-American leaders have to adopt certain qualities or behaviors that make them appear less threatening … a babyface gives a certain perception that they’re docile.” Source: Associated Press, ‘Babyface’ look can help Black CEO’s, study says

The study, although very small, has another interesting observation for women moving into the boardroom:

Black CEOs also were described as significantly more babyfaced than white CEOs. The female CEOs were rated as having more mature faces than both Blacks and whites. Source: Associated Press, ‘Babyface’ look can help Black CEO’s, study says

So, I guess we have to look like “mommy” to engender maximum respect. Great.