Strategies for Women to Boost Professional Visibility and Drive Upward Mobility

As we come towards the end of Women's History Month, I wanted to support women and help them amplify their careers. As we know through research women's representation in corporate leadership remains disproportionately low despite strides towards equality.?

While they are highly qualified and often outperform in leadership competencies , women still confront barriers that their male counterparts don't have to face, making the climb up the corporate ladder that much steeper.

SHRM's recent report throws light on this reality where women grow increasingly disillusioned the closer they get to the top. Only 9% of HR professionals view their leadership as predominantly female, compared to 50% who see it as predominantly male.

With each step up the career ladder, finding female role models becomes a game of 'spot the rarity.' Yet, pushing for more female seats at the top spots isn’t even just about fairness.? Research indicates that companies with female CEOs exhibit increased profitability and innovation. Specifically, the Peterson Institute for International Economics found that firms with women holding at least 30% of leadership roles experienced a 15% boost to profitability compared to the typical profitable firm's 6.4% net profit margin.

Diverse companies, including those with female leaders, demonstrate higher creativity, potentially attributed to neurological differences between men and women . Championing women in executive roles isn’t a favor. It’s smart business.?

While it is an unfortunate reality that systemic barriers continue to impede women's climb to upper leadership, there are some strategies that can turn the tide.? It’s about playing the long game and making sure you’re not just seen, but heard as well.

Visibility Projects

Harvard Business Review affirms that visibility, especially in tech, is an important factor for women’s advancement.

High-visibility projects stand as a powerful strategy for women seeking to enhance their climb up the corporate ladder. This not only broadens your experience but also showcases your capabilities to a wider audience, including senior leadership.?

Women who take the reins on these pivotal projects are often at the forefront of innovation and change, proving their ability to lead and execute with excellence. It's more than just showing up. It's making waves that resonate throughout the organization and industry at large.

When women boldly step into these roles, they are making a clear statement: "I'm up for the challenge, and I've got the skills to back it up."

These types of projects draw the attention of senior leadership, acting as a catalyst for change in perception and presenting a compelling case for upward mobility. It prompts leadership to consider performances that stand out and breaks the often subconscious cycle of overlooking potential women leaders for top positions.

Networking

Meeting people, starting conversations, following up, and even throwing out a lifeline to someone else can kickstart a cascade of opportunities you never expected. It's connecting.?

It’s all rooted in genuine connections. Keeping in touch. Sharing your wins and challenges. It’s the openness to authentically connect, the glue that holds these relationships together. It’s crazy how a simple ‘hey, how’s it going?’ can eventually lead to ‘hey, I’ve got a project that’s perfect for you’

It's about building a support system that uplifts everyone involved. Dropping a line to someone you admire or offering your expertise can set off a ripple effect you never saw coming.?

And the beauty of it? You start popping up in conversations. Your name gets tossed into rings you didn’t even know you belonged in. It’s all interconnected.?

The takeaway? Dive into your networks. You never know where a single conversation might lead you.

?Coaching & Sponsorship

Coaching and sponsorship are like the dynamic duo for anyone looking to climb the career ladder, especially for women. Think of coaching as having your own personal career cheerleader.?

This person helps you hone in on your strengths, work through your weaknesses, and set up a game plan that's tailored just for you. It’s all about gearing you up for the next big opportunity. A plug for my firm - we work with clients who have been promoted through a game plan and skill development strategies who created together.?

Sponsorship, though? It’s having someone who is cheering for you and puts your name forward when it counts.?

A sponsor throws your hat in the ring when those big projects or promotions come up. They’re not just advising from the sidelines; they’re getting their hands dirty, actively advocating for your advancement. We discuss this in the article Why Men Have More Help Getting to the C-Suite in the Harvard Business Review.

Together, coaching and sponsorship open doors. Your coach gets you ready for the spotlight, while your sponsor makes sure the spotlight finds you. For women aiming to scale the ranks, these allies don't just clear the path; they propel you forward, making sure the full potential of your talents is brought to the forefront.

Self-advocacy

Diving into self-advocacy can seriously turn the tide for women aiming to up their career game. Research highlights a significant disparity in negotiating behaviors between genders, with women being 2.5 times more likely to experience apprehension in such situations, contrasting sharply with men, who often engage in negotiations four times as frequently.?

Now, isn't that something?

Women might hang back, not because they lack the skills, but possibly because they're wired to see it more as a hurdle than a high-five moment.

Reframing the approach to negotiations from a standpoint of fear to one of opportunity is crucial. Engaging in negotiation is, in essence, advocating for one’s value and contributions to the organization.

What happens when women refuse to blend into the background? You're not just tooting your own horn when you advocate for yourself. You're ensuring everyone knows the value you bring to the table. It can be uncomfortable to step out of the shadows, but when you do, people sit up and take notice.

And let’s not forget the ripple effect. Once you start speaking up, others take a page from your book and do the same. So, you're not only lifting yourself up but you're paving the way for others too.?

The case for more women at the helm is ironclad — their leadership brings tangible boosts in creativity and productivity. It's about bridging the gap. From nudging organizations to foster equity over equality to dismantling stereotypes that have overstayed their welcome.?

The goal? A corporate world where leadership mirrors the diversity of thought, experience, and identity of its workforce.

What's been your go-to move for stepping into the spotlight? Got any success stories or learning curves you'd be open to sharing? Let’s continue this conversation in the comments.

Dr. Rubina F. Malik is a global strategic advisor and thought leader. As a champion of career and leadership development, she is an expert in helping organizations create strategies to enhance the engagement, retention, and promotion of diverse candidates by empowering them to become influential leaders who drive positive change and foster global understanding. Competitive edge-driving organizations from international start-ups to fortune 500 global enterprises depend on her guidance to propel programs centered on global leadership, mentoring, career sponsorship, and leadership development, cementing her reputation as an invaluable catalyst for professional growth and organizational success. www.rubinafmalik.com

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