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Contributing Author: Bev James
It has been reported this summer that women are becoming increasingly ambitious when it comes to their career, particularly in comparison to their male counterparts. In fact, according to Pew Research Centre, two thirds of women between the ages of 18 and 34 claimed that a successful career is amongst their highest life priorities, compared to just 59% of men.
However, as more women have entered the workforce over the past few
decades, moving away from the traditional housewife stereotype that once was,
the infamous glass ceiling has unfortunately put a stop on women progressing to
top positions in well-known companies.
Figures announced in August of this year claimed that only 4.6% of executive’s
appointment by FTSE 100 companies in the last two years were female, showing a
disproportionately low amount of women in the higher earning positions.
To make sure this glass ceiling can be breached, it’s vital that women step up to the plate and find ways to take these higher earning roles.
For those that aren’t sure how to do this, sometimes a fresh perspective can make all the difference and there has been an increase in the amount of business mentors being use for this exact reason.
Here are five ways a business coach can help women make it to the top:
Tip #1 - Set and achieve realistic goals
It’s very easy to become complacent when you’ve been in a position for quite some time. Taking the time to step back, and talk to an outside person can help you to set realistic goals, and set out an organized way to achieve them.
This is key in making you more appealing for new positions.
An outside perspective, particularly one with business experience, can give you unparalleled insight into your bad habits, and where your gaps in knowledge are that could be improved upon to better your CV.
Tip #2 - Be aware of your barriers
If you have been working at one institute for some time, it is easy to assume that you are the natural candidate for a higher-responsibility position that becomes available.
However, this isn’t always the case and automatic promotions aren’t as common as they once were.
A look at the market and similar roles with an experienced business coach can help identity where your skills best fit in the market, and help evaluate whether you are better to keep at it within your current role, or if you could be better appreciated elsewhere.
Tip #3 - Don't be put off by your gender
Don’t ever let an outdated misrepresentation of women deter you from applying for better positions.
It is true that generally speaking, more women think about work differently once they have started a family. However, men are becoming much more involved in the raising of children than they ever were a decade ago, and so family issues are often a poor excuse for not hiring women in this modern working era.
If it is your own traditional ideals of gender that you are struggling with, you need to build your confidence. A business coach can help with public speaking and with the controlling of nerves through interviews and networking.
Tip #4 - Be humble and admit defeat
It’s naïve to think that your personal life doesn’t affect your career but it’s equally difficult to throw in the towel when it comes to certain aspects of your daily routine.
If something in your personal life is stopping you from becoming promoted, a business coach will help identify it.
Is your family time compromising your working hours?
Do you need assistance with the housework?
Is a hobby taking up too much of your time?
No matter what it is that’s distracting you, it’s your decision whether you want to make changes, but identifying areas that could be altered is hugely beneficial in improving your employability rating.
You can still have it all, but maybe changing your priorities is all it takes to put you ahead of the competition.
Tip #5 - Know yourself
It’s interesting that women are often judged more by other women than they are by men. But, before you can be judged by anyone else, have a business coach judge you.
They can evaluate you objectively, identity the strengths you should be highlighting and the weaknesses you can improve upon. This is really difficult to do on your own and can only be effective with outside help.
What can sometimes feel like tough love, is actually an investment you’ll be glad you made later, when you have a more realistic outlook for the future of your career, with a confidence in your expectations.
About the Contributing Author:
Bev James is a successful serial entrepreneur and business coach with experience in training and recruitment of business coach. Bev is also MD & Head of Training for The Coaching Academy, the world's largest training school for coaches. When Bev is not spending time with her family she usually has her head in a book. Don't forget to connect with Bev on Facebook or add her to your circle on Google+
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