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By Shiela Mie Legaspi
When discussing the advancement of women in the workplace, many have called attention to the “glass ceiling,” a metaphor for an invisible social barrier that prevents women—and other marginalized groups—from progressing in the workplace. Yet even in the more accepting environment we live in, women continue to face obstacles to their advancement.
The “broken rung” concept similarly refers to an obstacle women face on their paths to career progression in which a step in their career ladder becomes an impasse. This type of obstacle is more evident yet still unaddressed. Generally speaking, women are stuck in entry-level leadership roles, unable to get promoted to higher levels. While there have been many strides towards gender parity in the workplace, women still must take their success into their own hands.
Overcoming the “broken rung”
One of the most important aspects of success in career development is assertive communication. Although the adage “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” might sound like a bad thing, it also rings true in reverse. Those who stay silent will be looked over when it comes time for advancement.
Nevertheless, there is a fine line between assertive and forceful. Just as avoiding conversations can be damaging in the long run, so too can overconfidence and over-directness. When used appropriately, assertive communication can help build respect, trust and cooperation between you and your leaders.
However, perhaps the most valuable tools in a woman’s arsenal when she wants to advance in the workplace are resilience and persistence. Some may falsely align the concept of persistence with that of pushiness. Still, a steadfast commitment to improvement is the type of perseverance you should strive for when seeking career advancement. Here are a few ways to build that perseverance:
- Remind yourself of your accomplishments: Author Zig Ziglar once said, “Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street.” You will face rejection in your quest to propel your career to new heights. It’s not a question of if but when, and when you do face rejection, remind yourself of your accomplishments. This is a great way to stay motivated and not succumb to the discouragement one can face when rejected.
- Embrace and learn from challenges: If you are rejected from an advancement opportunity, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Figure out what skills you can develop further or what was “missing” from your interview so that you can ace the process next time an opportunity arises. Take failure as a learning opportunity that you can use to improve yourself.
- Don’t blame yourself (or others): When you encounter an obstacle in your career path, it is important not to blame yourself or others. Sometimes, things simply don’t work out as you had hoped. Instead of lingering on what happened, you should emphasize momentum and growth.
- Build a support network: Many individuals don’t realize the tremendous value of a strong support network. Surrounding yourself with people who care about you and your success will improve your morale. These people can also be a resource in helping you improve. Ask people you trust—especially mentors with experience in your field—for feedback and guidance, as they can help prepare you for your path toward advancement.
- Manage your emotions and stress: Trying to advance in a career can be stressful. There is a lot on the line, as you have a personal stake in your own success, and failure is always an emotional experience. However, you must resist the urge to react impulsively and emotionally since this type of reaction can cost you dearly and reveal that you don’t respond well under pressure.
Additionally, taking a proactive approach to your development can be valuable. When you want to move up in your career, taking your progression into your own hands is necessary. This means taking steps to make you a more appealing candidate for forward movement, like attending workshops, taking courses, achieving certifications and applying for grants, awards or conference presentations. These steps show that you are serious and invested in your professional and personal growth.
Although women may see the “broken rung” on the ladder to their professional development and be discouraged, it is crucial to persevere through these obstacles. Strategies like practicing assertive communication, developing resilience and taking a proactive approach to development can help women thrive in an environment that is inconducive to their growth.
Shiela Mie Legaspi is an organizational development expert and the president of Cyberbacker, the leading provider of world-class administrative support and virtual assistant services from anywhere in the world to anyone in the world.
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