Breaking the “Glass Ceiling”

A glass ceiling is a political term used to describe "the unseen, yet unbreakable barrier that keeps minorities and women from rising to the upper rungs of the corporate ladder, regardless of their qualifications or achievements.

The “glass ceiling” still exists for women in the workplace — despite statistics that indicate females’ pay rose faster than males’ during the past decade.

Do you feel that you've gone as far as you can with your current employer?

Despite knowing that you have much more potential, is there a limit for "people like you" in your organization?

If so, you've hit what's known as the "glass ceiling." This is the point at which you can clearly see the next level of promotion – yet, despite your best effort, an invisible barrier seems to stop you from proceeding.

Traditionally, the glass ceiling was a concept applied to women and some minorities. It was very hard, if not impossible, for them to reach upper management positions. No matter how qualified or experienced, they simply were not given opportunities to further advance their careers.

Today, there are many more women and minorities in powerful positions. However, the glass ceiling is still very real. And it's not always limited to gender or race.

Have you been pushed up against a glass ceiling? This can happen for many different reasons. Are you too much the champion of change? Do you have difficulty communicating your ideas? Are you quieter and less outgoing than the people who get promotions?

Whatever the reason, you have a choice. You can accept your situation and be happy with looking up and not being able to touch what you see, or you can smash the glass with purpose and determination.

If you do, indeed, want to break through that glass, here are some steps to take.

1.   You want to break through rather than shatter the glass ceiling.  If enough women break through, the ceiling will shatter on its own.  But if you, as an individual, try to shatter it on your own, you are more likely to fail.

2.     Do not ask for permission for a seat at the table. It’s too much like a child asking to sit at the grown-up table at Thanksgiving.  Demonstrate why you should be there.  If you’re still not invited, consider showing up uninvited, but  the risk of marginalization is even greater.

3.     Play the talent card.  You should be recognized for your talent, not your gender.  If you focus too much on your gender, you undermine your talent.  Don’t be afraid to let others know your accomplishments. Confidence can be displayed with humility. They are not mutually exclusive

4.     Pick your battles. If you don’t choose your battles wisely, you will spend your life fighting battles rather than advancing your career.  When men go to strip clubs while away on business, that’s a battle worth fighting.  When a guy says “guys,” perhaps let that one go.

5.     Don’t get stuck in affinity groups. Affinity groups for women can be great, particularly where there are entrenched boys’ clubs.  Jim Beam is often the de facto head. But affinity groups are a means to an end and not an end in of themselves.  Focus on gender-related obstacles in the context of overcoming them and overcome them outside of the affinity group.  While a safe place, the affinity group should be a launching pad and not a landing pad.

6.     Create alliances with men.  Seek male mentors and mentor men -- as well as women mentors and mentees.  Whatever you do, don’t segregate yourself. Men as a gender are not the enemy.  Troglodytes of both genders are. Find men who get it and support and seek their support.

7.     Frame women’s issues as human issues and raise them in the context of business issues.  For example, while women and men alike have work-life balance issues, women are still more likely than men to have primary caregiver responsibilities.  How does limiting the potential of caregivers limit your organization’s profit potential? Don’t get me started.

8.     Don’t assume all women are allies.  Some women are harder on women than they are on men. Don’t try to change them.  Align with women who favor equal opportunity and who support both women and men who face challenges.  In this context, also stay away from women who only help women or who bash men as a competitive support.  These women create business and legal risks.

9.     Don’t ignore the micro-inequities which, when taken together, create macro exclusions.  We all know that lunches, golf outings, etc. are opportunities to bond and share information, etc.  Ask men to lunch.  Plan outings that include men and women.  Create your own micro-equities.  If you are not invited to the party, throw a better one. 

10.        Be yourself.  Don’t try to out-man Cro-Magnon man.  Knuckle drugging is not becoming of men. It is no more becoming of women, either.  So speak with your own voice and don’t go through life quietly. I know I don’t!       

SEVEN  WAYS TO MAKE  A  GOOD INTERVIEW 

 IMPRESSION............

Before the interview begins, job-seekers must make an interpersonal connection with the interviewer. The basics of a firm handshake and a warm, I’m-happy-to-be-here expression set the tone.

Now onward with tips on how preparation can make your initial impression a good one:

1.   Be on time. As one CFO recently said, “If you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re late.” If you’re even a minute or two late, that reflects poorly on you. Get specific directions, especially if you have to navigate an unfamiliar building. Plan to arrive early, but not too early. Bursting into an office at 9:40 for a 10:00 interview shows a lack a concern for your interviewer’s schedule. Instead, get to the site early, use a mirror to check for any grooming emergencies, and rehearse a few of your answers.

2.   Be enthusiastic, but not over the top. It’s important to show genuine interest in the job and in the questions asked, but don’t be three-cups-of-coffee maniacal. Maintain an amiable, even-keel demeanor.

3.   Practice, practice, practice. In the days before your interview, go over questions you expect to be asked. Then, out loud, answer those questions. Best Method is role-playing with a friend or significant other so that they can provide feedback on your answers. If you’re having trouble with a practice answer, write out or type your responses, then practice those words. Two questions to be sure to practice answering: Why are you interested in this job? Why are you looking to leave your current job?

4.   Print copies of your resume and other materials the night before. If you’ve been given a list of people you’ll be talking to, email materials in advance. It is an easy way to make sure you don’t run out of copies, and it gives your interviewers prep time as well.

5.   Don’t eat garlic fries, or a box of chocolate , before the interview. But eat something; you’ll need the energy. No matter what you choose to eat, stopping to check your teeth is probably a good idea. It’ll also help you practice another skill you’ll need to make a good impression: Smiling.

6.   Watch your language. This should go without saying, but apparently some people get excited telling a story, and they might drop a no-no word in there. Bad move, especially before a hiring manager has had time to form an opinion.

7.   Be prepared with your own questions. This will show you’ve done research and that you’re thinking seriously about the job. If an interviewer asks a job candidate, “Do you have any questions?” and the answer is a casual, “Nope, I’m good,” then, no, that’s not good. “If I hear that, I’m pretty close then to saying the interview is over,”.

                                       ................ ALL THE BEST