5 Reasons Women Are Not Getting Promoted
I was a first year associate at a big 4 accounting firm, working crazy hours on some of our biggest clients and giving it my all. Also on my team was a guy who started six months after me, took Fridays off to play golf, came in after me in the mornings and left before me in the evenings, yet when it came time for early promotions, I found out he and I were both up for the same promotion at the same time. I was so frustrated. I had more billable hours. I worked twice as hard, and yet, it didn’t put me ahead of someone doing less. That’s when I decided to learn the rules of the corporate game. To work smarter, not just harder.
So, here’s what I learned along the way about why women are often left behind when it comes to promotions:
1. We don’t think we’re qualified
I had a friend who really wanted a promotion. She had been with the department for years, but each time the opening came up internally, she held back from applying because she didn’t think she was qualified to become a manager yet. Each time, the position was filled by someone with less years of experience.
There’s a study that shows men are more likely to apply for a job when they meet 60 percent of the qualifications, while women wait to apply until we meet 100 percent of the qualifications. We don’t even throw our name into the ring for consideration to be rejected!
So, let me be the one to tell you this: you are qualified to apply for that promotion. At the very least, speak up before you’re ready to let your bosses know you’re interested, so they can work on getting you prepared. Just don’t take yourself out of the running just because you think you can’t do something or you don’t feel worthy of an opportunity!
2. We aren’t using our networks to our advantage
If you’re in the corporate or legal world, you likely have seen how much networking happens at the golf course and happy hours. And, whether it is intentional or not, women are often lacking at these gatherings, which means we miss out on networking opportunities and getting access to information.
As frustrating as that is, women have other unique networks that we can leverage instead. It is the other moms at your kid’s school dropoff line; the Facebook groups we’re in; the book clubs and Bible studies.
While men talk about work in all settings, women often feel weird bringing up work in their social circles or pitching work opportunities to family and friends. To make this easier, approach it from a place of wanting to help and serve others with your skills and connections. Share, connect and invest where the women are.
A great example of this is the number of venture capital firms with women at the helm that are investing in female-led companies in the last year!
3. We think merit alone is going to get us there
Our hard work should speak for itself and be properly recognized, especially in the workforce. As women, we often think that if we just work harder, the boss will notice and offer us the promotion. And sometimes, that happens. But, more often than not, it takes not only hard work but also the right timing and strategy to get promoted.
It is about working smarter, not harder. For example, know the metrics your company looks at for promotions: if your firm is all about rewarding those who bring in the most new business but you’re focused on only billing more hours, you’re running on the wrong track. Figure out what matters in the job you want and focus on that. And remember, done is better than perfect.
4. We don’t speak up
When was the last time you told your boss what you accomplished recently? Like, bragged on your work and how it brought value to the company? It is easy to think, “Oh, but I’m just doing my job.” Yet, I guarantee there is a guy in your company also just doing his job, but he is telling his boss about what he’s working on, the ideas he has and how hard he’s working on his most recent projects.
At the very least, for your annual performance write up a list of projects and metrics you’ve accomplished this year. But also, get in the habit of updating your boss about what you’re working on and the value it is bringing to the company. People are busy with their own jobs, so no one is likely monitoring your every accomplishment, which means you are your biggest champion.
Oh, and that idea you have? Speak up and share it in your next meeting. It is a good idea.
5. We lack a sponsor in the room where decisions are made
A sponsor is someone high up in your company who has a voice at the table where decisions are made or has the ear of someone who makes decisions. Making sure this person (or people!) knows your name and your work/accomplishments is vital because they’re the ones who will vouch and advocate for you behind closed doors.
Do any of these ring true for you? If yes, you may love the Elevate Blueprint!
What steps can you take today to move towards the next challenge in your career?
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