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What’s Your Glass Ceiling?
The term glass ceiling is one readily recognized by many people as referring to the barrier(s) women may face as they progress towards more senior levels in organizations.
But is it something that only affects women? And does it exclusively refer to roadblocks in our careers?
www.Answers.com suggests the ‘glass ceiling’ is “an unacknowledged discriminatory barrier that prevents women and minorities from rising to positions of power or responsibility.” www.thefreedictionary.com says this term describes “a situation in which progress, especially promotion, appears to be possible, but restrictions or discrimination create a barrier that prevents it.” And their Thesaurus suggests the synonyms of ‘ceiling’, ‘roof’ or ‘cap’, as in an upper limit on what is allowed.
In truth, a glass ceiling is any barrier that keeps anyone from progressing in their desired direction. And I sincerely believe the most resistant of these – and the most important to breakthrough – are those that reside in our minds.
We have more direct and effective control over ourselves than we typically have over other people, company processes or government legislation. So if you’re ready to shatter some of your glass ceilings, here are 3 steps to get you started!
1. Put your Beliefs under a microscope
Although formed for what were originally good reasons (to protect or guide us), as we progress through our lives, we can find that many of these no longer serve us. Do you believe you are unworthy of success? Not capable of advancement? Too old (or young, set in your ways, inexperienced, tired, unintelligent – insert any adjective here) to achieve your heart’s desires? Remember … beliefs are not truths. If they were, we’d still think the human body would explode if we ran one mile in less than 4 minutes! Discover if there is any real evidence that supports your beliefs – and if not, discard them.
2. Define your unique value to the world
Others won’t buy you (or your ideas) until you do. What is it you offer? What skills, abilities and characteristics are your strengths and can add value to projects and tasks you undertake? Knowing yourself well and being able to articulate your uniqueness is a vital skill in advancing your career – and life – towards your desired destination.
3. Focus on what you can influence
Too often, we can find ourselves spending time fretting and frustrated as we attempt to change things that are well beyond our control. Not only does this fail to produce any tangible, beneficial result, it leaves us feeling disempowered and exhausted. Our overall motivation drops as we feel increasingly less capable of achieving a positive difference in a situation that concerns us.
Choose to focus your energies instead on those things that are under your control and over which you can exert some influence. You will find that with time, experience and making strong connections with others in your network, your circle of influence expands – and you will gradually find an increasing number of areas in which you can make an impact.
There is no better time than right now to shatter the glass ceilings that have held you back – believe you can … and you will!
© Copyright 2009 Sandi Givens and Knowledge-Able Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
About the Author:
Sandi Givens –
Author, Speaker, Facilitator, MC & Coach, Sandi is a leading expert in Shattering Glass Ceilings that Limit Success, with a focus on Women’s Development, Teams & Leadership and Attaining Work/Life Balance.
Speaker of the Year, Victoria (2004), Past President, Victoria (2005) & Professional Member - National Speakers Association of Australia
Patron – Australian Institute of Office Professionals (Victoria Division)
Member of the Advisory Board – The Global Good Foundation
Get your monthly dose of inspiration, information and practical “how-to’s” by sending an email to tracey@sandigivens.com.au with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
To explore how Sandi can help you and your team, visit www.sandigivens.com.au – or phone +61 3 9844 4612
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