Breaking Your Glass Ceiling

Breaking Your Glass Ceiling

Some drops for your bucket...... .

Reaching for the Top with Everyday Tools

Do you feel that you've gone as far as you can with your current
employer? Despite knowing that you have much more potential, is
there a limit to where "people like you" can go in your organization?

If so, you've hit what's known as the "glass ceiling." This is the
point at which you can clearly see the next level of promotion –
yet, despite your best effort, an invisible barrier seems to stop
you from proceeding.

Traditionally, the glass ceiling was a concept applied to women and
some minorities. It was very hard, if not impossible, for them to
reach upper management positions. No matter how qualified or
experienced, they simply were not given opportunities to further
advance their careers.

Today, there are many more women and minorities in powerful
positions. However, the glass ceiling is still very real. And it's
not always limited to gender or race.

Have you been pushed up against a glass ceiling? This can happen for
many different reasons. Are you too much the champion of change? Do
you have difficulty communicating your ideas? Are you quieter and
less outgoing than the people who get promotions?

Whatever the reason, you have a choice. You can accept your
situation and be happy with looking up and not being able to touch
what you see… or you can smash the glass with purpose and
determination.

If you do, indeed, want to break through that glass, here are some
steps to take.

Identify the Key Competencies within Your Organization

Key competencies are the common skills and attributes of the people
in your company's upper levels. These skills are often tied closely
to the organization' s culture and vision.

Companies that value innovation and strive to be leaders will
probably promote individuals who are outgoing, risk takers, and not
afraid to "tell it like it is." However, if you work for a
conservative company (such as a publicly-owned utility) chances are
that top management are analytical thinkers, with a reputation for
avoiding risk and making careful decisions.

Ask yourself these questions:

What are the values of your organization?

What behaviors does your company value and reward?

What type of person is promoted?
Understand what sets your company and its leaders apart. This is the
first step toward discovering how to position yourself for a top
leadership role.