Glass Ceiling Syndrome

We often hear people discussing the 'glass ceiling' syndrome that many of us, mainly women, face today. So, is it true that in 2002 this is still a problem? But what is the 'glass ceiling'? This invisible barrier, has been known to sometimes, prevent otherwise able employees from promotion to top positions - unfortunately, this problem is usually faced by women who have difficulty in being accepted into the highest of corporate ranks. However, it is also interesting to note, that while woman are mostly affected, men can be affected as well.

Since glass ceilings do still exist within many organisations, it only provides a certain temptation as it allows people to see through to the world above them and the opportunities that are there. And, because glass is clear, those existing under such a ceiling might not, at first, even notice that a barrier was in place which separated them from higher levels. Yet if they tried to pass through, they would quickly learn that the ceiling prevented any such rise. However, the time has come where this ceiling needs to be shattered, once and for all.

Understanding the Corporate World

A recent article stated "many women fail adequately to understand how much of the corporate business world works and to understand the importance of office politics, going through the proper channels, and being able to make decisions quickly" Perhaps it is not a matter of failing to understand, but more a case of where change is as important as different perspectives! The balance of Ying and Yang, of opposites, right or left brain thinking - would that not only enhance and benefit the corporate world?

This issue of women in top decision making roles in business has been debated for many years. Maybe it is time to actually address the issue and see what can realistically be done to break down these barriers. If a woman is in a controlling position, like her male counterparts, she has worked very hard to get there and must work even harder to stay there.

So What Should You Do?

To get into this corporate business world, you need to find the best industry (and company) for you by matching your talents, skills and interests. But before signing on with an organization, get the answers to these four reality-revealing questions.

• What percentage of the officers, members of the board of directors and top earners in this company are women?
• Does the company's core mission include a commitment to promoting the careers of women?
• What kind of mentoring programs does the company offer? What percentage of the mentors and mentees are women?
• What kind of training and executive education does the company offer? What percentage of women are selected to participate?

Business Career vs. Homemaker Career

Unfortunately, some feminists, when stressing the 'glass ceiling syndrome', or when insisting on equality in the work place, prefer to focus solely on the issue of wages and promotions as measures of how much society values women. They have no incentive to promote the economic importance of a homemaking career.

No one doubts, nor disputes, the importance of a person, female, or male, in being a successful homemaker - but this is not a role for everyone. There are many women who would like to be successful in other areas besides the home and should be allowed the opportunity to do so. Return to a rewarding and satisfying career may have come late in life for some of these women, some only beginning a career once their children are raised. It does not make their ambition any less than other women who chose to balance both career and family, or those who chose a career only.

Here are some words of wisdom that many top-level female executives have been sending down the ladder to other business sisters who have their eye on personal growth, high-powered career position and satisfaction.

Find People to support and encourage you

This is not the age of Cinderella - where the only jobs available to women are in the home or caring professions. It is important to identify people who can help you strategize your reputation and put in good words about you in the right places. There are quite a number of women in Malta who have been successful in their career development and who are always ready to assist and support other women who only have to ask. They are the informal mentors and ready to encourage and motivate others who have started on a chosen career path.

Be Yourself - always

It never works if you try to model yourself after others, as you'll be found out for sure. True, it is said that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but when you have so much to offer on your own, being yourself is a much better and longer lasting situation. Spend some time with a friend or mentor who can help you scrape away any last shreds of self-doubt that could tempt you to tinker with your essential identity. Ask for feedback from everyone whose opinions you trust. If nobody is challenging your performance and sharing suggestions with you, they are not doing you any favours, and you would be missing out on the most important information you could have.

Show your capabilities

Don't wait passively to have your strengths discovered - in today's business world you need to let people know what you can do and how well you can do it. Multi-skilling and flexibility have become the mainstay in organisations rather than creating specialists. You need to be smart enough to create a balanced and comfortable lifestyle for yourself, but inevitably the time will come when you have to go those extra miles and manage trying situations.

What can we do to break that ceiling?

First, we - both men and women - need to realize and acknowledge that one of the areas that differentiate men from women, is the pay gap and that the pay gap is real. Too many people assume that since women have made terrific progress in the workplace and are getting jobs in areas they never before been employed in, discrimination is no longer a factor. That is just not true. We've also got to educate ourselves and others about this issue, particularly around the area of pay equity. The balance should always be equal pay for work of equal value, regardless of gender. It is based on knowledge, ability and skills being applied.

Working women continue to earn less than their male counterparts. Research shows that about 40 percent of that pay gap cannot be explained by differences in experiences, skills or the jobs held by men and women. It is largely the product of plain, old-fashioned, stubborn discrimination. We -- employers, employees and politicians -- must also make sure anti-discrimination laws are strictly enforced. The law is one of the most powerful methods for closing the pay gap.

Businesses which continue to hire only men for top level positions out of a desire to maintain a "good old boys" environment will eventually find themselves at a competitive disadvantage with rivals who promote more, competent "underpaid" females to do the same kind of work. A situation that has already begun to happen, although it is a slow process. What does this mean for a woman trying to navigate the current career waters? Is there an easy way to find an employer that will help you reach your full potential while you help the company do the same?

Cracking through the glass ceiling seems to have something to do with having women in top positions who can reach down and lend a helping hand. It also has to do with women consistently exceeding expectations and creating a management style that makes men feel comfortable around them.

How successful are women these days?

Attending the annual Young Enterprise National Finals, a competition that encourages young people between the ages of 16 - 18 to start up their own business for a full scholastic year, it was noticed that the majority of the managing directors were female - coincidence? Perhaps. A director of one organization, when interviewed, was proud to admit that their company has three female directors. Fantastic! Those who do complain about glass ceilings should keep in mind that glass can be shattered if one strikes it hard enough and long enough...

Article prepared by Commercial Services Bureau (CSB) Ltd.

Since 1987, CSB Ltd. has been servicing the local and international business community with its range of employment/recruitment related services. It has helped thousands of employees improve their job conditions and careers, and employers obtain the ideal staff for their organisations.