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.
Imagine this: You’ve been a top performer, consistently delivering results, and yet, suddenly, things at work feel off. Your boss becomes distant, opportunities for advancement vanish, and your once-important contributions seem to be overlooked. Subtle changes in tone, a lack of transparency, or exclusion from… Read more: They Are Managing You Out. Here’s How to Push Back and Win
Have you ever left a workplace feeling like you’d just survived an episode of a workplace reality TV show, complete with drama, gaslighting, and the occasional narcissistic coworker? If you’re a high-achieving Black woman, you know how toxic workplaces hit differently. They don’t just drain… Read more: How to Recover From Toxic Workplaces as a High-Achieving Black Woman
Ever felt like the walls were closing in at work, even though you were doing everything right? Maybe you’ve been sidelined, excluded, or made to feel like you don’t belong. Being forced out of a job isn’t always as dramatic as a firing. But it… Read more: Forced Out of a Job? Recognizing the Signs and Reclaiming Your Career
The Silent Struggle Burnout is more than just feeling tired or overwhelmed. It’s a sneaky, slow-burning state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can creep up on anyone, especially women juggling multiple roles at home, work, and beyond. For women, the pressure to “do… Read more: The Silent Struggle – Recognizing the Signs of Burnout in Women
Ever felt like you’re being slowly pushed or managed out of a job without being explicitly told? You’re not alone. The modern workplace has given rise to a subtle, yet damaging trend called “quiet firing.” Unlike the dramatic scenes of being handed a pink slip,… Read more: The Quiet Firing: Spotting the Signs and Reclaiming Your Career
In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure work environment, being an executive often feels like walking a tightrope. You’re expected to lead with confidence, navigate complex challenges, and deliver results. All while maintaining your personal well-being. For many executives, the stakes are high, and the support needed to… Read more: The Truth About Executive Coaches: Are They Worth the Money?
Even the Most Successful Executives Secretly Struggle with This… Have You Ever Felt Like You Don’t Deserve Your Success? You walk into the boardroom, prepared and confident. At least, that’s how you appear on the outside. Inside, however, a small but persistent voice whispers: “What… Read more: The Silent Career Killer: How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up in Leadership
Did you know that 42% of women leaders report burnout, struggling to balance high-pressure careers with personal fulfillment? For Black women in leadership, the challenges are even greater—navigating workplace microaggressions, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to prove themselves in male-dominated spaces. These obstacles can leave… Read more: Unlock Your True Leadership Potential: The Secret to Thriving in High-Stakes Roles
Have You Ever Felt Invisible at Work? Like an Invisible Leader? You’re the one everyone relies on. You lead teams, solve problems, and drive results. So why does it feel like no one notices? Maybe you’ve been passed over for a promotion despite your stellar… Read more: The Invisible Leader: Why High-Achievers Often Go Unnoticed
Deciding whether it’s time to leave a job can feel like standing at a crossroads, unsure which path will lead to growth, fulfillment, and success. It’s not an easy decision, especially when you’ve invested time, energy, and passion into your career. However, staying in a… Read more: How to Know It’s Time to Leave a Job: 5 Clear Signs
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.
Imagine this: You’ve been a top performer, consistently delivering results, and yet, suddenly, things at work feel off. Your boss becomes distant, opportunities for advancement vanish, and your once-important contributions seem to be overlooked. Subtle changes in tone, a lack of transparency, or exclusion from… Read more: They Are Managing You Out. Here’s How to Push Back and Win
Have you ever left a workplace feeling like you’d just survived an episode of a workplace reality TV show, complete with drama, gaslighting, and the occasional narcissistic coworker? If you’re a high-achieving Black woman, you know how toxic workplaces hit differently. They don’t just drain… Read more: How to Recover From Toxic Workplaces as a High-Achieving Black Woman
Ever felt like the walls were closing in at work, even though you were doing everything right? Maybe you’ve been sidelined, excluded, or made to feel like you don’t belong. Being forced out of a job isn’t always as dramatic as a firing. But it… Read more: Forced Out of a Job? Recognizing the Signs and Reclaiming Your Career
The Silent Struggle Burnout is more than just feeling tired or overwhelmed. It’s a sneaky, slow-burning state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can creep up on anyone, especially women juggling multiple roles at home, work, and beyond. For women, the pressure to “do… Read more: The Silent Struggle – Recognizing the Signs of Burnout in Women
Ever felt like you’re being slowly pushed or managed out of a job without being explicitly told? You’re not alone. The modern workplace has given rise to a subtle, yet damaging trend called “quiet firing.” Unlike the dramatic scenes of being handed a pink slip,… Read more: The Quiet Firing: Spotting the Signs and Reclaiming Your Career
In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure work environment, being an executive often feels like walking a tightrope. You’re expected to lead with confidence, navigate complex challenges, and deliver results. All while maintaining your personal well-being. For many executives, the stakes are high, and the support needed to… Read more: The Truth About Executive Coaches: Are They Worth the Money?
Even the Most Successful Executives Secretly Struggle with This… Have You Ever Felt Like You Don’t Deserve Your Success? You walk into the boardroom, prepared and confident. At least, that’s how you appear on the outside. Inside, however, a small but persistent voice whispers: “What… Read more: The Silent Career Killer: How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up in Leadership
Did you know that 42% of women leaders report burnout, struggling to balance high-pressure careers with personal fulfillment? For Black women in leadership, the challenges are even greater—navigating workplace microaggressions, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to prove themselves in male-dominated spaces. These obstacles can leave… Read more: Unlock Your True Leadership Potential: The Secret to Thriving in High-Stakes Roles
Have You Ever Felt Invisible at Work? Like an Invisible Leader? You’re the one everyone relies on. You lead teams, solve problems, and drive results. So why does it feel like no one notices? Maybe you’ve been passed over for a promotion despite your stellar… Read more: The Invisible Leader: Why High-Achievers Often Go Unnoticed
Deciding whether it’s time to leave a job can feel like standing at a crossroads, unsure which path will lead to growth, fulfillment, and success. It’s not an easy decision, especially when you’ve invested time, energy, and passion into your career. However, staying in a… Read more: How to Know It’s Time to Leave a Job: 5 Clear Signs
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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