It can be tough to be a woman or part of the minority in the business world. One look around, and you will see that most people in positions of power are white men. It can be easy to feel like you have no hope of ever reaching the top if you are not part of the majority. But this is simply not true. You can do many things to break through the glass ceiling and achieve success in your professional life.
What is the Glass Ceiling?
The glass ceiling is a metaphor for the unseen barriers that prevent women and minorities from reaching the top of their professions. These barriers are often invisible and can be challenging to break through. The glass ceiling has several adverse effects, including the following:
- It limits the career opportunities available to women and minorities
- It creates a feeling of isolation and frustration among women and minorities trying to break through
- It can lead to discrimination in the workplace
- It can make it difficult for women and minorities to get promoted
How to Identify if You’re Facing the Glass Ceiling
There are plenty of telltale signs that indicate whether you’re facing the glass ceiling. Here are some of them:
Sign #1 You’re being passed over for promotions
It’s one thing not to get promoted when you’re first starting your career. But if you feel like you’re being passed over for promotions, even though you’re qualified and have the right experience, then it’s a sign that the glass ceiling may be preventing you from moving up in your field.
Sign #2 Your ideas are ignored
Do you often feel like your ideas are ignored or dismissed in meetings? This is another sign that you may be facing the glass ceiling because women and minorities generally have less power and influence in the workplace.
Sign #3 You’re not being given challenging assignments
If you find that you’re not being given tasks that stretch your skills or allow you to grow professionally, it may be due to the glass ceiling. Often, women and minorities are stuck in dead-end jobs and don’t get to take on the most exciting or rewarding projects.
What You Can Do to Break Through It
To break through the glass ceiling, you need to be aware of the institutionalized sexism in many workplaces. This means understanding how the workplace is structured in a way that favors men and white people. Once you’re aware of this, you can take steps to break through the glass ceiling. Here are some things you can do:
1. Speak up
If you’re not given a chance to showcase your talents, you need to speak up more. You must make your voice heard in meetings and offer your ideas or suggestions when they’re needed. Another way you can make yourself more visible is by showing initiative.
Suppose you manage the inventory at an industrial power plant and notice that you’re already behind on ordering parts for the month. You could speak to your supervisor about it and suggest ordering the parts from your industrial equipment supplier earlier. This will show that you’re proactive and have good ideas that can benefit the company.
2. Network
Networking is a powerful way to break through the glass ceiling. Women and minorities can connect with other like-minded people outside of work, giving them more opportunities for career advancement and promotion.
Of course, you don’t want to neglect your professional networks either. Attend industry events, join trade organizations, and get to know other people in your field. These connections can help you get your foot in the door when getting a new job or being promoted.
3. Take on leadership roles
Seek out opportunities to take on leadership roles in your company or organization. This can help you develop the skills and experience needed to break through the glass ceiling, which often leads to more responsibility, promotions, and better pay.
Being a leader is also a great way to give back and mentor other women trying to break through the glass ceiling. You can share your own experiences and offer advice, which will help other women advance in their careers.
4. Advocate for change
If you see sexism or discrimination in the workplace, speak up and advocate for change. This can help create a more level playing field for everyone because it calls attention to the problem and puts pressure on those in power to make changes.
You can also join or start employee resource groups, often devoted to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. These groups can help you connect with other like-minded people and work together to break through the glass ceiling.
5. Seek out mentors
Mentors can provide guidance and support as you strive to break through the glass ceiling. Find a mentor who can help you navigate the challenges of the workplace and offer advice on how to advance your career. And once you’ve broken through the glass ceiling, be a mentor yourself to help others reach their professional goals.
Breaking through the glass ceiling isn’t always easy, but it is possible. With hard work, persistence, and the right strategies, you can succeed in your career and reach all of your professional goals. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today and see what you can achieve.
