Getting Ahead in 2011

Busy women executives and managers lead demanding lives. Whether you are at the beginning of the road to being an executive or already farther down the path, there are a number of things you can be doing to get ahead faster and, frankly, with less hard work (e.g., hours in the office). And, even if you aren't looking to get promoted or head for the corner office, you want to be seen as a valuable employee and selected for those prime opportunities and projects.

How is this possible when less than 15% of executive positions are held by women and still earn about 81 cents for every dollar earned by a man? Don't we have to try harder? Or not be ourselves and start really playing the man's game?

Not necessarily - but we do need to stop hurting ourselves by not taking advantage of options already at our fingertips. This is even more true as you strive to create a life of joy and balance - one where you get to call the shots in your office and make time for your family and friends...and yourself.

As this recent CNN.com article points out, there are some simple ways to do this. Here are a few highlights from the article.

• Quit thinking the workplace is fair. It's not. Use your energy to accomplish something by addressing things you can control (like your own performance). And, if it's truly a discriminative environment, use your energy to find another opportunity.
• Speak up. Call attention to your work and ask for new projects. And don't be afraid to ask for a raise.
• Don't ever, ever cry at work. Being able to deal with challenging situations is a sign of maturity and builds your credibility.
• Use additional work time to network instead of hunkering down at your desk. Sure, cranking out the work is important, but building relationships is equally or even more important as you work your way up the ladder.
• The way you talk and dress matters. You can never make a first impression twice. But, even if you have the job, you can build your reputation of credibility and promotability by acting as if you are at a higher level. Building the perception that you are capable to "fitting in" to a senior position will help those who can influence assignments and promotions think favorably of you when there are opportunities. Perceptions matter. Manage them.

Seem overwhelming or not sure how to fit all this into a balanced life? Sign up for your complimentary Gracefully Balance It All strategy session, and we'll create an immediate action plan for you to get started!