By Paul Clutton
Expert Author
Does the metaphorical glass ceiling encountered exclusively by women still exist?
If not, why is it that in so many plc Boardrooms the number of female Directors can literally be counted on the fingers of one hand, while the number of men run into thousands?
Many believe it has become even harder for women to win promotions and hold on to them and that not only is the glass ceiling still very much present but women are also aware of hitting it at an early stage in their careers.
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Many career orientated females believe that they could break through the glass ceiling and make it to the top of their professions, however, they acknowledge that in so doing they would have to sacrifice much of their personal lives.
So it seems that throughout Europe, women are only advancing into senior management grades quite slowly, despite legislative changes designed to create a more level playing field, such as the EU’s Social Protocol covering equal opportunities like equal pay and sex discrimination.
Having it all?
Research shows that for a female international manager, lifestyle choices are even more difficult than those facing domestic female managers. The obvious problem is that travel, lack of time and exhaustion interfere with – and seriously diminish- family life.
Many believe that combining a successful career with good personal relationships and children is more difficult for female managers than their male counterparts. Managing relationships with spouses whilst having to cope with international assignments is the most difficult obstacle to overcome.
Childcare is a major concern while on foreign assignments, and many, unless completely satisfied with childcare arrangements, would not take on an international management position. Male counterparts, however, move across borders without the extra baggage of responsibility for housework and childcare.
Secret to success.
But of course its not all doom and gloom. There are many who, for one reason or another, do break through the glass ceiling and succeed in combining a high-flying career with marriage and children.
We’ve compiled some of their tips for the top:
1. Match or exceed the qualifications, ambition and mobility of male managers. 2. Ask regularly for the next career move rather than waiting to be offered. 3. Be better than male managers at balancing a number of functions simultaneously. 4. Establish a mentoring relationship. 5. Become integrated in organisational networks. 6. Develop an individual style of management. 7. Be flexible and receptive to different ideas. 8. Communicate effectively and be a good listener. 9. Take risks and experiment. 10.
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