I was tired of the usual negative stories about glass ceilings holding women back when International Women’s Day came around this year. I decided to conduct a survey to find out what women really think are the barriers holding them back in business today.
The survey, set up on a secure website, was completed by more than 1,200 ABN members and produced some surprising results.
One of the main aims of the survey was to see what differences there were in attitudes between the well-established baby boomers and the up-and-coming Generation Xers. To my surprise, there was very little difference in the responses by the under 35 and over 35 age groups in what they identified as the barriers to getting ahead in business.
Lack of self promotion is holding women back in business
Both age groups identified lack of self-promotion as the major factor holding them back.
People assume that the traditional boys club has provided the biggest resistance to the upwardly mobile female. What the results show is that women recognise that they are their own worst enemy.
In response to the question: What do you think is the biggest barrier to women getting ahead in business today?
- 37.9% said lack of self promotion
- 19.4% said having children
- 18.8% said outside work commitments
- 18.6% said gender discrimination
- 5.4% said other women.
(Current results can be viewed at www.tymson.com.au/survey202.htm) Women are concerned that they are not promoting themselves enough and I think this comes from an inbuilt belief that it is not appropriate to beat your own drum.
According to Suzi Dafnis, National General Manager of Australian Businesswomen’s Network, “Women get so caught up in the day-to-day tasks of their work that promoting themselves and their achievements gets put on the bottom of the pile.”
A massive 45.4% of the respondents to the survey said the reason they were working (assuming the need for money was a given) was because they felt a sense of achievement, followed by 19.2% seeking career development.
The fact that most women today see their own lack of self-promotion, rather than the traditional ‘glass ceiling’, as the major barrier to them getting ahead in business, shows how much of an issue this really is. I see examples of this every day.
The female manager who immediately gives credit to her team when praised for a job well done – compared to her male colleague who would probably happily take the praise (and reinforce some particular part of the project which was difficult). What about the woman who tentatively suggests an idea in a meeting only to find her male counterpart gets credit for the same idea later in the meeting? Of course, there are women who simply get on with the job without seeking approval or recognition.
Ten tips to self promotion
Here are some tips to help you get ahead if you think “lack of self promotion” is holding you back.
- Be sure to send a copy of any idea or finished project you have done which is significant to your colleagues.
- Let people know if you have prevented a disaster or taken some positive action.
- Send a copy to others of items of interest you have found in the newspaper or magazines – it shows you are on the ball and well informed.
- Set aside at least two lunch breaks a week to network with colleagues both inside the office and from other organisations. I find that an invitation for a coffee and sandwich works brilliantly. It is informal, non-threatening, quick, easy and inexpensive.
- Become active in your industry association. Join committees, attend meetings and stand for the executive.
- Join groups outside work where you can meet new business contacts. Social sports such as golf and sailing is where businessmen are busy networking. Organisations such as Rotary, Chambers of Commerce and the ABN also offer excellent networking opportunities and seminar programs.
- Do as much personal skills training and development as you can. Become a confident presenter, assertive manager and resourceful colleague.
- Speak up in meetings! State your ideas with confidence.
- Write and place articles in industry magazines and papers. Look for opportunities to present at workshops and conferences.
- Watch your words! Phrases such as ‘I’ll try’, ‘I hope’ and ‘Don’t you think?’, ‘Isn’t it?’ and ‘Is that OK?’ make you sound unsure of yourself.
