ExecutiveChronicles | 6 Tips on How to Become a Woman CEO | Did you know that only 8% of Fortune 500 companies have a woman as their CEO? With so many competent, intelligent women out there this shouldn’t be the case.
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If you’re looking to break through the barriers and help change that statistic, read on. In this article, we’ll give you 6 important tips to become a woman CEO and shatter that glass ceiling.
1. Focus on the Right Things
There are some responsibilities that are going to be more likely to get you noticed at work. Assess your tasks in the office and decide if they are the kind of things that will boost the companies profits or visibility in the marketplace. If not, aim to do more of those.
2. Say No to the Less Important Things
Sometimes you’ll get asked to take on tasks that are thankless or less important. It can seem counterintuitive to say no when you’re trying to get a job promotion but it can be the best tactic. If what you’re being asked to do isn’t going to help you get noticed in the company and pulls focus away from what will, tactfully say no.
3. Ask the Right Questions
There can be a difference in the workplace between what men and women are shown how to do. To bridge that gap, you’ll want to make sure you’re asking to be taught what you need to grow in your profession. If you don’t have the right mentors in your current role, you can ask around to find someone willing to teach you what you want to learn.
4. Embrace Confidence
Women are more likely to suffer from something called imposter syndrome. This is the feeling that your accomplishments are somehow not deserved or that you just lucked into your position.
This needs to be overcome to be a future CEO. You worked hard to get where you are and you should feel good about that. Let go of the doubt by learning new skills and identifying negative self-talk for what it is.
5. Network Well
Networking can have a tremendous effect on your career. Seeking out other powerful women will not only grow your network connections but also give you a better understanding of how to navigate this journey as a woman. Follow highly successful women like Suzanne Clark, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to gain inspiration and get ideas.
6. Gauge Your Company’s Potential
Sometimes it’s not you or your boss standing in the way of a promotion. It can be that the company you work for just doesn’t have the legs to go all the way. If this isn’t the right organization to take you to the top then start looking for jobs elsewhere.
Become a Woman CEO
With the lack of women acting as CEOs compared to men in the business world, it can seem intimidating to aim for that promotion. Fortunately, if you follow the tips above you’ll be in great shape to become a woman CEO.
Are you looking for other tips and tricks to get to the top of the ladder? Check out other helpful articles here on the blog to keep you in the know.
