Advancement Checklist

You have your grocery checklist, a budget checklist – but where’s your career advancement checklist?

Studies show women with specific career goals are happier at work, and seeing them written down can be motivating.

“With a checklist, [women] can be sure they are focusing on all of the contributors to a successful rise through the ranks of their organization,” says Joelle K. Jay, an executive coach at the Leadership Research Institute.

What should go on yours?

First, Jay advises women adopt a leadership mindset. “An executive woman must see herself as a leader, believe she is a leader and expect others to respond to her as a leader,” she says.

Women can succeed by focusing on their team and finding ways to take charge

in the office, like talking frequently with superiors about their ideas or leading presentations at meetings.

Jay suggests women try managing up and across, being aware of managers’ expectations and contributing to company goals.

Experts recommend sharing goals and talking to the boss about hers – then acting on it. If she believes the customer comes first, report results in terms of customer benefits.

Jay also suggests adding flexibility, personal leadership and a work sponsor to your checklist.

What to leave off your list? “Some women believe they need to act, dress and talk like a man to break into the old boy’s club of senior management,” Jay says.

Bonus PINK Link: More women are advancing – and changing the balance of power. Find out how in our online exclusive.

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By Christy Rogers

“The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity.”
Ayn Rand