Does the metaphorical glass ceiling encountered exclusively by
women still exist?
If not, why is it that in so many plc Boardrooms the number of
female Directors can literally be counted on the fingers of one
hand, while the number of men run into thousands?
Many believe it has become even harder for women to win
promotions and hold on to them and that not only is the glass
ceiling still very much present but women are also aware of
hitting it at an early stage in their careers.
Many career orientated females believe that they could break
through the glass ceiling and make it to the top of their
professions, however, they acknowledge that in so doing they
would have to sacrifice much of their personal lives.
So it seems that throughout Europe, women are only advancing
into senior management grades quite slowly, despite legislative
changes designed to create a more level playing field, such as
the EU’s Social Protocol covering equal opportunities like equal
pay and sex discrimination.
Having it all?
Research shows that for a female international manager,
lifestyle choices are even more difficult than those facing
domestic female managers. The obvious problem is that travel,
lack of time and exhaustion interfere with – and seriously
diminish- family life.
Many believe that combining a successful career with good
personal relationships and children is more difficult for female
managers than their male counterparts. Managing relationships
with spouses whilst having to cope with international
assignments is the most difficult obstacle to overcome.
Childcare is a major concern while on foreign assignments, and
many, unless completely satisfied with childcare arrangements,
would not take on an international management position. Male
counterparts, however, move across borders without the extra
baggage of responsibility for housework and childcare.
Secret to success.
But of course its not all doom and gloom. There are many who,
for one reason or another, do break through the glass ceiling
and succeed in combining a high-flying career with marriage and
children.
We’ve compiled some of their tips for the top:
1.Match or exceed the qualifications, ambition and mobility of
male managers. 2.Ask regularly for the next career move rather
than waiting to be offered. 3.Be better than male managers at
balancing a number of functions simultaneously. 4.Establish a
mentoring relationship. 5.Become integrated in organisational
networks. 6.Develop an individual style of management. 7.Be
flexible and receptive to different ideas. 8.Communicate
effectively and be a good listener. 9.Take risks and experiment.
10.Invest in your image
Having a little faith and a lot of nerve, the glass ceiling will
soon disappear into thin air – just in time for you to go flying
straight through!!
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