How Professional Women Can Realize Their Career Goals By ‘Leaning In’

Even with the great strides women have made in business over the last few decades, there are still some surprising statistics that confirm that men are outpacing women in the business world. We still don’t have a level playing field. And like or not, professional women still need to work hard – if not harder – than their male counterparts to get ahead.
There’s a 2011 statistic in the Kinsey Report that says that men are promoted based on their potential – while women are promoted based on past accomplishments. Today my guest, Kimberly Rice and I discussed ways that women can advance their careers, based on the book, “Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg. Sandberg’s main message is that women are not ‘raising their hands’ enough, they are pulling back when they should be leaning in. And this type of behavior can negatively affect a woman’s career.
1. Be Proactive. Remember, everything is negotiable. Don’t accept things they way they are if they don’t suit you.
2. Confidence. Many women are holding their own careers back by identifying with lifelong messages that they have heard: that it’s wrong to be outspoken, aggressive, more powerful than men. Gaining back your confidence is key.
3. Attitude is Everything. There may be tasks that you’re doing that you don’t like about your job – have an open mind. Your job may include things that are beyond your comfort zone. Don’t be resentful about tasks that need to get done, even if they are beyond your core proficiencies. Be willing to work at all aspects of your business.
4. Building Relationships. This is one skill set where women really excel. They are natural connectors. Focusing on this one skill can advance you along. Remember that giving to get is a super way to make connections and form relationships.
5. New Rules. Accept that networking is not an event, but a lifestyle. If it’s part of your job, then make it work, find a way to enjoy it. You’ll net better results.
6. Develop a Marketing Mindset. There’s marketing opportunities all around you. Pay attention to your environment – from your son’s basketball scrimmages to your summer pool membership in your neighborhood.
Source: KLA Marketing
To listen to this segment in its entirety, go to: Marketing Chat with Nancy Sipera, 8/6/13