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I am a senior woman in an organization whose power structure is dominated by men. How do I succeed in this game without losing track of who I am?

Written by: Cassandra L. Gierden

Article Overview: Women who have attained senior positions in an organization often find it lonely at the top. A 2006 Catalyst Canada study shows that only 4.2% of FP500 companies have a woman as CEO or president. Women make up nearly half the work force, but rarely make it into the ranks of corporate officer. In fact, only 7.3% of so-called “clout titles” belong to women. As a woman in a senior position, you can maintain your personal momentum by staying true to who you are, knowing your strengths and having the confidence to show them off, as I describe below.

I am a senior woman in an organization whose power structure is dominated by men. How do I succeed in this game without losing track of who I am?

Women who have attained senior positions in an organization often find it lonely at the top. A 2006 Catalyst Canada study shows that only 4.2% of FP500 companies have a woman as CEO or president. Women make up nearly half the work force, but rarely make it into the ranks of corporate officer. In fact, only 7.3% of so-called “clout titles” belong to women.

As a woman in a senior position, you can maintain your personal momentum by staying true to who you are, knowing your strengths and having the confidence to show them off, as I describe below.

• Take advantage of your uniqueness. If you are the only woman, consider it a positive, not a negative. In all your dealings with your male colleagues, you are bound to get attention, simply because they do not know what to expect of you. Every time you attend a meeting or lead a presentation you have a tremendous opportunity to showcase your skills and talents.

• Seek a mentor or be a mentor. If you are feeling overwhelmed in your position, or uncertain how to integrate into the corporate culture, seek a mentor. Many companies offer mentoring programs which can be invaluable to senior managers looking to improve their skills and seek promotions. In your senior position, you can also act as a mentor to other women, providing them with valuable advice to help them advance in their careers.

• Be yourself. As women have assumed more leadership roles, companies have noticed positive changes throughout the organization and in the bottom line. Remember that women’s innate strengths in collaboration and relationship building are highly valued. Play to your strengths and recognize the contributions you can make as a team builder and effective partner to customers and suppliers. There is real power in these roles. The achievements you realize can help you stand out and advance.

• Blow your own horn, even in subtle ways. You have a solid record of achievements – you wouldn’t be where you are without them. Display certificates, degrees and diplomas to emphasize your credentials. Collect testimonials from clients and let them speak for you. Prepare a bio or profile that emphasizes past successes. A good portfolio of your accomplishments can stand as solid proof of your abilities, and offer you a self-esteem boost whenever you need it.

• Build your own brand. Personal branding is a buzzword you may have heard a lot lately. It is about learning what is really special about you, what your unique strengths are, and then finding ways to use this knowledge to build your reputation.

Although small in number, women in senior positions have led the charge in transforming workplace environments and inviting greater collaboration into the corporate structure. You can find inspiration in the fact that you are effecting change for the organization and blazing a trail for other women to follow.

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Article Tags: bottom line, canada study, catalyst, clout, corporate culture, innate strengths, leadership roles, lonely at the top, male colleagues, mentor, mentoring programs, momentum, own horn, positive changes, president women, senior managers, showcase, subtle ways, talents, uniqueness



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standing out - Hi Sara, I have always felt that just being a capable women in business automatically helps us stand out and have an advantage in a male dominated industry. If you want to impress a man in his business you must exude confidence about your ability to meet his company's needs. As far as standing out, I would seek as much media attention as possible to the fact that you succeeding in a male dominated business and highlight why your uniqueness is special. How your perspective for handling clients is fresh and competitive. I would walk into functions full of men and make sure I got to know everyone. Connect yourself with something identifiable that relates to the industry. Create a personal brand with a theme that resonates with the organization and the men in it. A theme of power, efficiency, attention to detail etc.
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