Women in Charge -€“ The Disconnect

As a compassionate leader, you like to help other women pursue their career dreams, too. However, the fact is that it isn’t so easy for women to move into key roles, no matter how much experience or advice they get.

The U.S. ranks 68th in women’s leadership internationally – and while 89 percent of Americans are comfortable with the idea of a woman leader, the reality is only 18 percent of women are in positions of leadership – an alarming disconnect.

What can women do? “Share data about these inequities with your company,” says Kimberly Mitchem-Rasmussen, southern regional development director for The White House Project. “If you’re a partner or a manager with discretion or control, it’s up to you to reach out. Don’t be afraid to bring these facts to executive level management and say, if there isn’t a woman here, there’s something wrong with that.”

Barriers like glass ceilings, outdated human resources policies, cultural stereotypes, corporate culture and the struggle for Life/Work balance can prevent women from reaching C-suite positions.

Equalize expectations across gender lines, actively participate in board meetings, obtain P&L experience as you move up the ladder and emphasize your interest to move into operating roles, says Chief Executive.

Do you have an executive presence? Resilience and adapting to change are as important as experience and having a mentor, along with keeping your goals straight and knowing your values and strengths, according to Fast Company.

Bonus PINK Link: Are all opportunities for women good opportunities? Learn about the Glass Cliff – and women’s dangers of falling off.

Minute Mentoring: Tracy Robbins, EVP Global HR of InterContinental Hotels Group, the company’s highest ranking woman, shares her leadership success secrets.

By Cynthia Good

“The glass ceiling gets more pliable when you turn up the heat.” Pauline R. Kezer