Why Does the Glass Ceiling Cut?

A few weeks ago, my mentor and I were having a conversation about diversity and senior leaders of organizations. We found that our observations were similar: representation by race and gender within the senior levels of many organizations is unbalanced. The term glass ceiling refers to "the unseen, yet unreachable barrier that keeps minorities and women from rising to the upper rungs of the corporate ladder, regardless of their qualifications or achievements". As I've switched companies and tackled various leadership positions throughout the years, I have to admit that having a senior position within an organization has never been on my agenda. I didn't want the demands, the hours, the responsibility, and feeling as though work was my life, regardless of the compensation. While progress has been made in recent years, there is still work to be done in organizations across the country from a diversity standpoint. For those with aspirations to climb to the highest level of an organization; for those who have their sights set on the C-Suite, there are a couple of things that should remain in the forefront of your mind.

• 1. Control what you can control: Although perfection doesn't exist in any organization, I've had to learn that the only person I can control is myself. Of course there are injustices that exist, but anyone with career goals should have a plan as well as a back-up plan. Even though you may be a qualified candidate, there is no guarantee that you will be offered the role that your heart desires. Life has taught me to ponder the opposite of that which it is I desire. In other words, if I have my sights set on an executive level position, I also need to figure out what my next steps will be in the event that I don't secure the role.
• 2. Mentoring never stops: I am an advocate of having a diverse, authentic support system whether it is in my personal life or in my professional life. Many of us have mentors who have achieved what it is we would like to accomplish. The same principle applies if you are interested in climbing the corporate ladder. You will benefit tremendously if you have a mentor who is in a senior position; someone who can articulate the good, the bad, the indifferent, and the inconsistent.

It is obvious to many of us that the glass ceiling still exists and there are success stories of people who have shattered this invisible barrier. The challenge is that the barrier still exists and even when it's shattered, the broken glass still cuts those who are standing on the levels below.

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Sacrificing for Success

Why I Date My Employer

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