White males may think it’s hard work reaching the top of the career ladder. But it’s SO much harder for women, blacks and other minority groups in a white male dominated world. For evidence look at the low numbers of women and blacks in the top jobs…. and for further evidence listen to the excuses that are made to justify why there aren’t more women at the top.
The challenge may seem tough but it’s not impossible!
Prof Robert Livingston has focused his career on researching leadership, diversity, power and intergroup discrimination. In particular he’s looked at the unique challenges of women and ethnic minorities in attaining leadership roles.
Follow this practical advice, based on Prof Livingston’s research, to help you get ahead.
1. Get a mentor early in your career, a sponsor later on
A mentor will help you to learn about career progression. It’s important to have a mentor who you trust and where you both have similar values.
As you progress up the hierarchy a sponsor will assist you in getting great projects that will enable you to get noticed and to shine. A sponsor will help you be in the right place at the right time and they’ll also help protect you from bad publicity.
2. Know when to change organisations
Prof Livingston’s research found that white males tend to get to the top by being in the same organisation for years and years. However, for women and blacks the research suggests you’re more likely to progress if you go for a promotion in a different organisation and slowly make your way to the top by changing organisations and progressing up the hierarchy with each change. The research suggests 3-5 years in each organisation works best for minority groups.
3. Expand your social network
We’ve all heard about the old boys network which works well for white men. For the rest of us it’s about getting to know lots of people, in particular getting to know people who have done lots of different things in their past. People with a richer past are more likely to have contacts that can help you and your career. So start developing your social network – both in and outside work.
4. Consider starting your own business
Good products sell. Full stop. There’s less racism and no corporate politics in the entrepreneurs’ world so why not use this to your advantage.
Running a service business may create barriers early on eg a woman starting a car repair business but later on this can be used as a selling feature to make the business more distinctive in comparison to the competition.
5. Learn how to do your own PR
As you progress up the career ladder towards the top and become more visible you become more exposed. Women and ethnic minorities have to be more perfect than white men and are more likely to go if there is a mistake. A sponsor will assist in protecting your image. Proactively managing your image and being able to influence other people’s perceptions of you will also put you in a stronger position to protect your job.
There are more challenges and barriers for some of us…. and nothing is impossible!
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