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.
There is no point in flying off in all directions and taking anything offered to you. What you need is a concrete goal and a targeted plan to achieve it. For instance, you may already be in a position of authority with a staff that you manage, but have a goal of getting into international business. Another woman might have international connections but aspire to a position with more authority and staff. The goals, and the ways to achieve them, will be totally different for these two individuals.
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.
Stepping up the ladder means you have to hold your own with corporate executives and others who will become your professional peers. If you haven't assessed your executive presence yet, it is time for you to do so. One of the best ways to evaluate your communication skills and verbal sharpness is to record yourself. You might tape business oriented questions and record your responses.
Climbing the corporate ladder will be much easier with a sponsor. You need someone to introduce you to people and bring up your name in business situations. If you don't already have someone in mind, who is interested in your career, you may have to target an appropriate person and introduce yourself.
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.
Truly ambitious women have big choices to make. It is essential to create a game plan that targets your goals. It may not be easy, but with a lot of critical thinking, perseverance, and luck you can achieve your goals.
There is no point in flying off in all directions and taking anything offered to you. What you need is a concrete goal and a targeted plan to achieve it. For instance, you may already be in a position of authority with a staff that you manage, but have a goal of getting into international business. Another woman might have international connections but aspire to a position with more authority and staff. The goals, and the ways to achieve them, will be totally different for these two individuals.
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.
Stepping up the ladder means you have to hold your own with corporate executives and others who will become your professional peers. If you haven't assessed your executive presence yet, it is time for you to do so. One of the best ways to evaluate your communication skills and verbal sharpness is to record yourself. You might tape business oriented questions and record your responses.
Climbing the corporate ladder will be much easier with a sponsor. You need someone to introduce you to people and bring up your name in business situations. If you don't already have someone in mind, who is interested in your career, you may have to target an appropriate person and introduce yourself.
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.
Truly ambitious women have big choices to make. It is essential to create a game plan that targets your goals. It may not be easy, but with a lot of critical thinking, perseverance, and luck you can achieve your goals.
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