Yahoo Finance 10 steps to help women conquer the corporate ladder
Despite the many gains women have made in the workplace, in terms of pay and representation, women are still drastically under-represented in leadership roles.
In fact, women in management roles will have to wait another two decades to be represented equally to men, according to a report released earlier this month by Curtin University and the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.
For women, a career can often be interrupted by caregiver duties or pay disparities that start as early as a graduate role.
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Not only that, but women aren’t putting their hands up for jobs that they would actually be more likely to be hired for than a male candidate.
These are the ten steps women can consider to move upwards on the ladder, no matter where they are in their career, according to recruitment firm Robert Half;
1. Understand your goals
Be realistic about what you want. A c-suite role sounds great on paper – but are you prepared for the reality of the long hours and the extra responsibility? Think carefully about what you want and what’s achievable.
2. Draw up a career plan
Don’t leave your career up to chance, the recruitment firm advised – you won’t get to where you want to be just by leaving it all up to chance. Put together an outline for your career that helps you visualise how you’ll move upwards or specialise in your industry area. Include any upskilling or educational courses in your plan too.
3. Review your progress
Don’t just wait for workplace reviews to see how you’re tracking with your personal goals – keep yourself accountable and evaluate your progress regularly. Self-reflection helps you understand what you’ve done well and where you can improve, and bring in a mentor to help if you want a boost of motivation or inspiration.
4. Hone in on your leadership skills
If you want to move upwards in your firm, you’ll have to polish your leadership skills. A good way to sharpen yours is to observe the leaders around you, tap into the insights of leaders you admire and work on any shortcomings you might have.
5. Communicate firmly
We all know how you say something is a major component of what you’re saying – so effective communication will be key if you want to step up to a more senior position. To become more comfortable with sharing your voice and your thoughts, be a more proactive team member in meetings or discussions, negotiations, and volunteer yourself for presentations.
6. Take (calculated) risks
While it may appear counterintuitive to take risks when you’re angling for a leadership role, some carefully considered risks can demonstrate your initiative, capacity to deliver greater growth and your ability to pull off a new strategy.
7. Put yourself forward
In the same vein, putting your hand up for all kinds of tasks – including the ones that are less than exciting – shows you want to go the extra mile.
“By demonstrating that you’re prepared to tackle extra responsibilities, you have an opportunity to showcase your breadth of skills and can-do attitude,” recruitment firm Robert Half said.
8. Be proud to stand out
Being a good leader will mean making decisions that won’t be popular, and calling those shots will take courage. But working through those challenges will distinguish yourself and see you come out the other side better for it.
9. Encourage others
Naturally, you’ll win the friendship and loyalty of your team if you build up and support your fellow colleagues. “Taking an active interest in the development of your team or fellow colleagues will also help you shine,” the recruitment firm advised.
“Sharing your knowledge and expertise or suggesting training opportunities can set you apart as a professional who your colleagues admire and trust.”
10. Build your network
It’s age-old advice, but a strong network will help you stay on top of what’s happening in your industry as well as best practices. You’ll also get a sense of the successes and important lessons of others and learn from their mistakes before you make your own.
Have a look around for organisations or groups in your industry that exist online – LinkedIn and even Facebook are great places to start. If there are none, consider starting your own.
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