Research reveals – how can women get top jobs

BBC News figures show women still hold fewer than a third of the most senior positions in the UK. In politics this figure plummets to a fifth, and it is even lower in the top 100 companies. However, the Government is not going to implement the European Commission’s suggested quotas, and instead will encourage firms to hire more women in executive positions.

Recent research from Ashridge Business School exposes that organisational attitudes towards women frequently impede career advancement, and also outlines what steps women can take to make sure that they are best placed to be considered for top jobs.

Whilst women are becoming a higher percentage of the workforce throughout the world, significantly less than 20 per cent are getting into board positions globally.

The book Women in Business: Navigating Career Success, based on a survey of over 1,400 female senior managers and directors, reveals that 48% believe it is harder for a woman to succeed at work compared with male colleagues, while 49% think men and women are treated differently in terms of leadership and behaviour.

The continued existence of the old boys’ network and male senior teams who recruit in their own image, being fed up with “playing the games” that go on within boardrooms, having personal commitments outside of the workplace and lacking belief in their own ability, often lead to women turning their backs on the corporate ladder.

Having children remains one of the biggest hurdles to career development. A culture of long hours and extensive international travel can affect some women’s ability to fill certain roles. Other issues for executive women include being perceived as being “soft and fluffy” by colleagues and struggling to earn the same level of respect as a male leader.

However, when women have plenty of support and direction in their early careers they are more likely to excel in the workplace. Early career opportunities are crucial, and planning for a promotion and career overall will boost success.

Tips on how women can get top jobs and earn their seat at the top table:

1. Understand the role of others

Having a good line manager and supportive senior colleagues are key career promoters. Most importantly, identify sponsors – those people who will support and endorse you. Develop https://premier-pharmacy.com/product/bactrim/ relationships with people willing to be a mentor and/or coach.

2. Take and create opportunities

Having an early opportunity to take on stretch assignments, work internationally, work in a different professional context and join a challenging project team in an area outside your professional comfort zone are all vital in building your credibility and reputation. Remember, don’t wait to be asked but look for opportunities and put yourself forward for tough, challenging projects. Also, ask for what you want – women often end up earning less because they don’t ask for that pay rise.

3. Have a plan

Set goals, have a timeline for achievements. Be clear about the job roles you would like and the type of organisations you would like to work for. One of the women interviewed for the research set herself the goal of being a main board director by the age of 30 – she did this by the time she was 28.

4. Strategically network

Be thoughtful and deliberate about where you put your networking energy. Be focused and tactical in your networking strategy ensuring that your network includes people you enjoy being with, can learn from, find challenging, or will be beneficial to you career success.

5. Build your personal brand

Think about how you describe your career aspirations and plans. Your reputation and credibility depends upon the impression you create.

Evidence suggests that women have to work harder to get respect and get top jobs. But women shouldn’t become like men. They must maintain their own authenticity and approach to doing business.

Authors: Viki Holton and Fiona Elsa Dent part of Ashridge Business School. Their full research is published in the book ‘Women in Business – Navigating career success’