If you are ambitious and serious about getting ahead in the workplace, you have your work cut out for you. Many women believe they can't achieve their highest goals because of gender bias and invisible barriers like the glass ceiling. These obstacles are real, but there are things you can do to minimize the effects. If you want to move to next career level, but aren't sure how to go about it, experts have some common sense advice you should follow.
Before you make any moves, you need to take stock of what it is you really want. You might have a great job with a dedicated staff, but dream about stepping up into international business. This might require working abroad or moving into an area that includes international responsibilities. Another woman may have global experience and but really wants to move into a sphere where she is managing a bigger team or crossing over into another division.
It can be a good idea to avoid confiding in your boss. You may think this person has your best interests at heart and will be happy to help you along your way. You might be unpleasantly surprised to learn that your boss is less than enthusiastic about your plans.
You have to be sure you are ready for the next professional step. In order to get ready, you might volunteer for projects that coincide with the kind of experience you will eventually need. Taking night classes at a local college to learn new skills, or reinforce the ones you already have, might be appropriate.
When you step up the ladder, you have to be able to discuss business with executives and others whose sphere you want to share. In order to do this successfully you must have an executive presence. This might be a matter of accessing your communication skills and finding ways to improve them. Recording yourself is one way to determine if you are speaking in an assertive manner, enunciating clearly, and avoiding bad verbal habits.
Finding a sponsor who has already achieved the status you want for yourself can be very important. This should be a person who can introduce you to executives you need to know and can assist you with career opportunities. If you don't already know someone who fits this profile, you might have to do some research, seek a candidate out, and introduce yourself to him or her.
You might get so focused on your ambitions you think they are obvious to everyone else. This is almost never true. If you want people to give you opportunities, you have to let them know you are eager to accept them. Sitting back and waiting for the opportunities to fall in your lap is a bad plan.
Women who are serious about their careers have to make choices. Creating a game plan is the best way to realize your goals. It will take perseverance, strategic thinking, the guidance of a sponsor, and a little luck.
Before you make any moves, you need to take stock of what it is you really want. You might have a great job with a dedicated staff, but dream about stepping up into international business. This might require working abroad or moving into an area that includes international responsibilities. Another woman may have global experience and but really wants to move into a sphere where she is managing a bigger team or crossing over into another division.
It can be a good idea to avoid confiding in your boss. You may think this person has your best interests at heart and will be happy to help you along your way. You might be unpleasantly surprised to learn that your boss is less than enthusiastic about your plans.
You have to be sure you are ready for the next professional step. In order to get ready, you might volunteer for projects that coincide with the kind of experience you will eventually need. Taking night classes at a local college to learn new skills, or reinforce the ones you already have, might be appropriate.
When you step up the ladder, you have to be able to discuss business with executives and others whose sphere you want to share. In order to do this successfully you must have an executive presence. This might be a matter of accessing your communication skills and finding ways to improve them. Recording yourself is one way to determine if you are speaking in an assertive manner, enunciating clearly, and avoiding bad verbal habits.
Finding a sponsor who has already achieved the status you want for yourself can be very important. This should be a person who can introduce you to executives you need to know and can assist you with career opportunities. If you don't already know someone who fits this profile, you might have to do some research, seek a candidate out, and introduce yourself to him or her.
You might get so focused on your ambitions you think they are obvious to everyone else. This is almost never true. If you want people to give you opportunities, you have to let them know you are eager to accept them. Sitting back and waiting for the opportunities to fall in your lap is a bad plan.
Women who are serious about their careers have to make choices. Creating a game plan is the best way to realize your goals. It will take perseverance, strategic thinking, the guidance of a sponsor, and a little luck.
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