Even the most ambitious, goal oriented women hit plateaus in their careers. Some attribute this to the glass ceiling and gender bias. There is a lot of truth to this, but there are some ways you can increase your chances of reaching your business goals that will bypass these hurdles. If you aren't sure how to move to next career level, experts have some good advice and can provide some strategic steps to take on your way up the ladder.
There is no point in flying off in all directions and taking anything offered to you. What you need is a concrete goal and a targeted plan to achieve it. For instance, you may already be in a position of authority with a staff that you manage, but have a goal of getting into international business. Another woman might have international connections but aspire to a position with more authority and staff. The goals, and the ways to achieve them, will be totally different for these two individuals.
You need to be careful about who you confide in. Your boss may be really supportive of your dreams and ready to help you with introductions and extra responsibilities. It is just as likely that this person will see your ambitions as a threat or as an indication that you're in your current position only temporarily.
You have to be sure you are ready for the next professional step. In order to get ready, you might volunteer for projects that coincide with the kind of experience you will eventually need. Taking night classes at a local college to learn new skills, or reinforce the ones you already have, might be appropriate.
Stepping up the ladder means you have to hold your own with corporate executives and others who will become your professional peers. If you haven't assessed your executive presence yet, it is time for you to do so. One of the best ways to evaluate your communication skills and verbal sharpness is to record yourself. You might tape business oriented questions and record your responses.
Climbing the corporate ladder will be much easier with a sponsor. You need someone to introduce you to people and bring up your name in business situations. If you don't already have someone in mind, who is interested in your career, you may have to target an appropriate person and introduce yourself.
Just because you know what your goals are doesn't mean that anyone else will figure them out spontaneously. When you need help, you usually have to ask for it. It might be as simple as asking for a reference. This is not the time to feel awkward or unworthy of someone's attention.
Truly ambitious women have big choices to make. It is essential to create a game plan that targets your goals. It may not be easy, but with a lot of critical thinking, perseverance, and luck you can achieve your goals.
There is no point in flying off in all directions and taking anything offered to you. What you need is a concrete goal and a targeted plan to achieve it. For instance, you may already be in a position of authority with a staff that you manage, but have a goal of getting into international business. Another woman might have international connections but aspire to a position with more authority and staff. The goals, and the ways to achieve them, will be totally different for these two individuals.
You need to be careful about who you confide in. Your boss may be really supportive of your dreams and ready to help you with introductions and extra responsibilities. It is just as likely that this person will see your ambitions as a threat or as an indication that you're in your current position only temporarily.
You have to be sure you are ready for the next professional step. In order to get ready, you might volunteer for projects that coincide with the kind of experience you will eventually need. Taking night classes at a local college to learn new skills, or reinforce the ones you already have, might be appropriate.
Stepping up the ladder means you have to hold your own with corporate executives and others who will become your professional peers. If you haven't assessed your executive presence yet, it is time for you to do so. One of the best ways to evaluate your communication skills and verbal sharpness is to record yourself. You might tape business oriented questions and record your responses.
Climbing the corporate ladder will be much easier with a sponsor. You need someone to introduce you to people and bring up your name in business situations. If you don't already have someone in mind, who is interested in your career, you may have to target an appropriate person and introduce yourself.
Just because you know what your goals are doesn't mean that anyone else will figure them out spontaneously. When you need help, you usually have to ask for it. It might be as simple as asking for a reference. This is not the time to feel awkward or unworthy of someone's attention.
Truly ambitious women have big choices to make. It is essential to create a game plan that targets your goals. It may not be easy, but with a lot of critical thinking, perseverance, and luck you can achieve your goals.
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