The term “glass ceiling” evokes an image of an invisible, yet unbreakable, barrier that prevents women from advancing to higher levels of leadership, especially in male-dominated industries. Though we’ve seen progress over the years, the ceiling remains an obstruction, even in the most progressive societies. For leaders, this presents a compelling challenge: How can we guide and support women leaders in breaking through? Let’s delve into this complex subject.
The Weight of Tradition
In fields like technology, finance, and engineering, the weight of tradition hangs heavy. The boardrooms are filled with men, not necessarily because of an overt agenda against women, but often due to an unintentional yet deeply ingrained bias. However, understanding the roots of this bias is the first step in dislodging it. Leaders have a unique opportunity to explore this with their female clients, offering strategies that are tailored to their experiences.
Gendered Skills are Just Skills
One enduring stereotype that keeps the glass ceiling intact is that leadership traits like decisiveness, strategic thinking, and assertiveness are ‘male’ characteristics, while nurturing, empathy, and teamwork are ‘female’ traits. In reality, the best leaders, irrespective of gender, demonstrate a blend of all these traits. As a leader, reinforcing this perspective can be an invaluable part of your toolkit.
Double Standards and How to Navigate Them
Women leaders often find themselves between a rock and a hard place. If they are assertive, they risk being labeled as aggressive or unlikeable. If they are nurturing, they may be viewed as not leadership material. The task for leaders is to help these women navigate this double-bind. This involves not just altering their behavior but also coaching them on how to change perceptions and address bias effectively.
Building and Leveraging Networks
While it’s often said, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” for many women in male-dominated industries, this is a challenging proposition. Most existing networks are overwhelmingly male. Leaders can guide their female clients in building their networks both within and outside of the industry. Effective networking can serve as a powerful catapult to shoot right through that glass ceiling.
Confidence: The Invisible Armor
Confidence is not merely about feeling self-assured; it’s about projecting competence and credibility. One reason women may struggle to break the glass ceiling is the confidence gap—they are less likely to apply for a job or a promotion unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, whereas men apply if they meet just 60%. Leaders can work on techniques to help bridge this confidence gap, offering actionable strategies for self-advocacy and visibility.
Tackling the Wage Gap
The gender wage gap is not merely an HR issue; it’s a leadership issue. When women are paid less for the same role, it sends a message about their perceived value and impacts their upward mobility. As a leader, discussing negotiations and advocating for oneself should be part of the coaching agenda. This can involve role-playing salary discussions or providing tips on how to present one’s case effectively.
The Power of Mentorship
Breaking the glass ceiling is not a solo endeavor. Female leaders often credit mentors who have guided them. As a leader, part of your role could be to guide your people toward finding suitable mentors and, in turn, to become a mentor to others. This cycle of mentorship can be a potent force in cracking that ceiling once and for all.
In closing, the glass ceiling is a multi-faceted issue that requires a nuanced approach. It’s not just about individual capabilities but about challenging and changing systemic issues. As a leader, your role extends beyond providing tips and strategies. It involves reshaping mindsets and challenging societal norms. You are not just coaching women to fit into the existing frameworks but advocating for a world where the frameworks become more inclusive. And in doing so, you’re not just breaking a glass ceiling; you’re laying the foundation for a sky full of stars.
