The glass cliff is a term that refers to the phenomenon in which women face a disadvantage in their careers when they are put in high-risk, high-profile positions. Evidence suggests that these positions are often more precarious and offer less opportunity for success.
The glass cliff has had a significant impact on the careers of women in many industries. Although women are sometimes appointed to these roles as a way to show that the company is committed to diversity, they are more likely to be accused of not getting results fast enough or fail and be blamed for the failure. This can lead to a decrease in opportunities for future advancement.
What can be done to avoid career ruin?
While there is no one definitive answer to avoiding the glass cliff, there are several things that can be done to increase the chances of success for those appointed to high-risk positions. Organizations should take steps to identify and assess the risk associated with potential appointments, identify and groom diverse candidates for high-profile roles, and create a supportive environment that allows individuals who have fallen off the glass cliff to recover without penalty.
It has also been suggested that organizations should focus on improving the cultural fit of potential managers and leaders, examining the extent to which they can be effective in leading teams. In addition to the specific skills, organizations should assess their people on the basis of emotional intelligence, or how well they can relate to people and motivate them. This is based on the ability to recognize and use emotional information, as well as assess and manage emotions.
Meredith Wood details seven steps women can take avoid falling off the glass cliff.
Know your numbers and details.
Armed with statistics and facts, you will have a competitive advantage. Stay up to date on industry trends and company insights so you know the exact level of risk.
Include risk in your salary negotiations.
Think about the fact that you pay mortgage and car insurance monthly, semimonthly, or annually. And you don’t get the money back if you don’t have an accident. Why? The insurance companies say that you are paying them for assuming the risk that something will happen. Therefore, identify your worth, especially when the risk level is high. Men are about four times more likely than women to ask for a raise. Get compensated well if you are going to take a high-risk position.
Define success BEFORE you accept the position.
Have your performance standards set to decide whether they are reasonable and can be met. Women tend to be more scrutinized. Sometimes the male before you got more leniency than you will get. After all women CEOs are 45% to be fired then male CEOs.
Use your unique position to your advantage.
Women are more likely to prevail over their male counterparts in emotional intelligence categories. Women are more effective than men on problem-solving aptitude and are typically seen as more inspiring. THOSE ARE SECRET WEAPONS – USE THEM!
This goes without saying: Believe in yourself.
Be a DECISIVE DECISION MAKER. Ensure that you are swiftly making decisions with confidence. No overthinking and doubting or second guessing yourself. When you are a decisive executive, leader, or manager you are typically seen as high performing and trustworthy.
Build your network.
Having reliable colleagues in varying departments will provide you more perspective when evaluating a promotion. When possible don’t accept a proposal in a silo. And finally…
Do not be afraid to walk away.
WHY? Because when women CEOs are ousted, they may not make it the c-suite of another organization. Despite having a record that has proven worthwhile in her career. In organizations men that make mistakes are judged by their potential to do better. He’s just learning. However, women who make mistakes will be accused of not having been prepared enough in the first place. Vote with your feet and say no!
Final thoughts on the glass cliff phenomenon and how to avoid it.
The glass cliff phenomenon is when women are disproportionately appointed to positions of leadership during times of crisis or risky jobs. Research has shown that these appointments are more likely to lead to failure. Sometimes its the lack of support while you are in a position that causes women to fall off the glass cliff. Leadership knew going in, that the role was a difficult one, and the company stepped back and was willing to let the woman swim or sink on her own. Rather than offering support and guidance.
Get armed with these seven steps to avoid the glass cliff.
Twanna Carter, Ph.D., Career Transition Coach. I help high achieving professional women who are anxious about transitioning into a new career, have absolute confidence and belief in their own abilities, so they can communicate their unique value, honor their true purpose, and boldly pursue their dream career.
Are you finding yourself juggling too many responsibilities, wishing you could delegate more effectively? Proper delegation is more than just offloading tasks—it’s an empowering strategy that can elevate your team, encourage ownership, and build a collaborative culture. In this blog, you’ll discover five simple strategies… Read more: 5 Simple Delegation Strategies That Empower Teams
Do you often feel like you’re constantly putting out fires at work, responding to one crisis after another, and barely finding time to focus on your long-term goals? If so, you’re not alone. Many leaders—especially Black women executives—find themselves stuck in a cycle of reactive… Read more: Reactive Leadership or Responsive Leadership. How Are You Leading?
As an executive, you’re used to making decisions. Big ones, small ones, urgent ones—your days are often defined by the constant barrage of choices. But have you ever noticed that, by the end of the day, even deciding what to have for dinner feels impossible?… Read more: How You Can Beat Decision Fatigue and Lead Confidently with These Hacks
Have you ever woken up dreading the workday ahead, feeling tired, unfulfilled, and questioning whether you’re on the right career path? If so, you’re not alone. Many professionals reach a point in their careers where the excitement fades, and the daily grind becomes more draining… Read more: Rediscover Your Career – 3 Tips for Fulfillment
Tension with a toxic boss can make even the most rewarding job feel unbearable. You’ve put in the time, effort, and commitment, but for some reason, you and your boss just don’t see eye to eye. Whether it’s constant miscommunication, feeling undervalued, or even sabotaged,… Read more: Surviving the Toxic Boss: A Guide to Protecting Your Career
What is Self-Doubt? Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough or that you don’t quite measure up? You’re not alone. Self-doubt can creep in at any moment, but you don’t have to let it control your career or your confidence. By taking action… Read more: 7 Proven Steps to Crush Self-Doubt and Thrive in Your Career
If you’ve ever felt like your boss is sabotaging your career? Working against you, constantly undermining your efforts, or creating an environment so toxic that you dread going to work, you’re not alone. Many professional women find themselves stuck in careers where their leadership isn’t… Read more: Is Your Boss Sabotaging Your Career? Learn How to Break Free from Workplace Toxicity!
Addressing the Silent Struggle of Black Women in the Workplace What Is Quiet Quitting? Aisha* is a talented and driven Black woman who has spent over a decade climbing the corporate ladder to become a director. Every day, she walks into her sleek, modern office,… Read more: What Is Quiet Quitting? Addressing the Silent Struggle
If you’ve been thinking that you’ll never find fulfillment in your work, I’m here to tell you that your dream career is possible with a career shift and the right mindset and actions. Many of us have found ourselves stuck in careers that don’t light… Read more: Trapped in the Wrong Career? Here’s How to Do a Career Shift
Are you tired of sending resume after resume and not getting any response from potential employers? It can be frustrating when you’re putting in all the effort to find a job, but not getting any job interviews. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many… Read more: Unlocking the Secrets: 7 Reasons Why You Are Not Getting Job Interviews
Have you ever woken up dreading the workday ahead, feeling tired, unfulfilled, and questioning whether you’re on the right career path? If so, you’re not alone. Many professionals reach a point in their careers where the excitement fades, and the daily grind becomes more draining… Read more: Tired & Unfulfilled? 3 Tips to Redefine Your Professional Career
The glass cliff is a term that refers to the phenomenon in which women face a disadvantage in their careers when they are put in high-risk, high-profile positions. Evidence suggests that these positions are often more precarious and offer less opportunity for success.
The glass cliff has had a significant impact on the careers of women in many industries. Although women are sometimes appointed to these roles as a way to show that the company is committed to diversity, they are more likely to be accused of not getting results fast enough or fail and be blamed for the failure. This can lead to a decrease in opportunities for future advancement.
What can be done to avoid career ruin?
While there is no one definitive answer to avoiding the glass cliff, there are several things that can be done to increase the chances of success for those appointed to high-risk positions. Organizations should take steps to identify and assess the risk associated with potential appointments, identify and groom diverse candidates for high-profile roles, and create a supportive environment that allows individuals who have fallen off the glass cliff to recover without penalty.
It has also been suggested that organizations should focus on improving the cultural fit of potential managers and leaders, examining the extent to which they can be effective in leading teams. In addition to the specific skills, organizations should assess their people on the basis of emotional intelligence, or how well they can relate to people and motivate them. This is based on the ability to recognize and use emotional information, as well as assess and manage emotions.
Meredith Wood details seven steps women can take avoid falling off the glass cliff.
Know your numbers and details.
Armed with statistics and facts, you will have a competitive advantage. Stay up to date on industry trends and company insights so you know the exact level of risk.
Include risk in your salary negotiations.
Think about the fact that you pay mortgage and car insurance monthly, semimonthly, or annually. And you don’t get the money back if you don’t have an accident. Why? The insurance companies say that you are paying them for assuming the risk that something will happen. Therefore, identify your worth, especially when the risk level is high. Men are about four times more likely than women to ask for a raise. Get compensated well if you are going to take a high-risk position.
Define success BEFORE you accept the position.
Have your performance standards set to decide whether they are reasonable and can be met. Women tend to be more scrutinized. Sometimes the male before you got more leniency than you will get. After all women CEOs are 45% to be fired then male CEOs.
Use your unique position to your advantage.
Women are more likely to prevail over their male counterparts in emotional intelligence categories. Women are more effective than men on problem-solving aptitude and are typically seen as more inspiring. THOSE ARE SECRET WEAPONS – USE THEM!
This goes without saying: Believe in yourself.
Be a DECISIVE DECISION MAKER. Ensure that you are swiftly making decisions with confidence. No overthinking and doubting or second guessing yourself. When you are a decisive executive, leader, or manager you are typically seen as high performing and trustworthy.
Build your network.
Having reliable colleagues in varying departments will provide you more perspective when evaluating a promotion. When possible don’t accept a proposal in a silo. And finally…
Do not be afraid to walk away.
WHY? Because when women CEOs are ousted, they may not make it the c-suite of another organization. Despite having a record that has proven worthwhile in her career. In organizations men that make mistakes are judged by their potential to do better. He’s just learning. However, women who make mistakes will be accused of not having been prepared enough in the first place. Vote with your feet and say no!
Final thoughts on the glass cliff phenomenon and how to avoid it.
The glass cliff phenomenon is when women are disproportionately appointed to positions of leadership during times of crisis or risky jobs. Research has shown that these appointments are more likely to lead to failure. Sometimes its the lack of support while you are in a position that causes women to fall off the glass cliff. Leadership knew going in, that the role was a difficult one, and the company stepped back and was willing to let the woman swim or sink on her own. Rather than offering support and guidance.
Get armed with these seven steps to avoid the glass cliff.
Twanna Carter, Ph.D., Career Transition Coach. I help high achieving professional women who are anxious about transitioning into a new career, have absolute confidence and belief in their own abilities, so they can communicate their unique value, honor their true purpose, and boldly pursue their dream career.
Are you finding yourself juggling too many responsibilities, wishing you could delegate more effectively? Proper delegation is more than just offloading tasks—it’s an empowering strategy that can elevate your team, encourage ownership, and build a collaborative culture. In this blog, you’ll discover five simple strategies… Read more: 5 Simple Delegation Strategies That Empower Teams
Do you often feel like you’re constantly putting out fires at work, responding to one crisis after another, and barely finding time to focus on your long-term goals? If so, you’re not alone. Many leaders—especially Black women executives—find themselves stuck in a cycle of reactive… Read more: Reactive Leadership or Responsive Leadership. How Are You Leading?
As an executive, you’re used to making decisions. Big ones, small ones, urgent ones—your days are often defined by the constant barrage of choices. But have you ever noticed that, by the end of the day, even deciding what to have for dinner feels impossible?… Read more: How You Can Beat Decision Fatigue and Lead Confidently with These Hacks
Have you ever woken up dreading the workday ahead, feeling tired, unfulfilled, and questioning whether you’re on the right career path? If so, you’re not alone. Many professionals reach a point in their careers where the excitement fades, and the daily grind becomes more draining… Read more: Rediscover Your Career – 3 Tips for Fulfillment
Tension with a toxic boss can make even the most rewarding job feel unbearable. You’ve put in the time, effort, and commitment, but for some reason, you and your boss just don’t see eye to eye. Whether it’s constant miscommunication, feeling undervalued, or even sabotaged,… Read more: Surviving the Toxic Boss: A Guide to Protecting Your Career
What is Self-Doubt? Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough or that you don’t quite measure up? You’re not alone. Self-doubt can creep in at any moment, but you don’t have to let it control your career or your confidence. By taking action… Read more: 7 Proven Steps to Crush Self-Doubt and Thrive in Your Career
If you’ve ever felt like your boss is sabotaging your career? Working against you, constantly undermining your efforts, or creating an environment so toxic that you dread going to work, you’re not alone. Many professional women find themselves stuck in careers where their leadership isn’t… Read more: Is Your Boss Sabotaging Your Career? Learn How to Break Free from Workplace Toxicity!
Addressing the Silent Struggle of Black Women in the Workplace What Is Quiet Quitting? Aisha* is a talented and driven Black woman who has spent over a decade climbing the corporate ladder to become a director. Every day, she walks into her sleek, modern office,… Read more: What Is Quiet Quitting? Addressing the Silent Struggle
If you’ve been thinking that you’ll never find fulfillment in your work, I’m here to tell you that your dream career is possible with a career shift and the right mindset and actions. Many of us have found ourselves stuck in careers that don’t light… Read more: Trapped in the Wrong Career? Here’s How to Do a Career Shift
Are you tired of sending resume after resume and not getting any response from potential employers? It can be frustrating when you’re putting in all the effort to find a job, but not getting any job interviews. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many… Read more: Unlocking the Secrets: 7 Reasons Why You Are Not Getting Job Interviews
Have you ever woken up dreading the workday ahead, feeling tired, unfulfilled, and questioning whether you’re on the right career path? If so, you’re not alone. Many professionals reach a point in their careers where the excitement fades, and the daily grind becomes more draining… Read more: Tired & Unfulfilled? 3 Tips to Redefine Your Professional Career
Welcome to my blog! As a passionate reader and travel enthusiast, I've spent years soaking up stories from diverse cultures and landscapes. I am committed to creating an empowering space where Black women can celebrate their achievements, learn from their challenges, and find inspiration for their journey. I hope you find value in these shared experiences and insights. Enjoy exploring!
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