What is the glass cliff?

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.

Follow my LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube, and Medium accounts here.

Click below to watch my Youtube video about how to avoid falling off the glass cliff.

Curated Reads: Essential Books to Add to Your Personal Library 

• Melaninated Magic: 180 Affirmations to Nurture Your Soul and Unleash Your Black Girl Joy by Twanna Carter, PhD
• Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity by Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD
• I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace (Successful Black Business Women), Elizabeth Leiba.
• Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler.
• Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini.
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
• Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg.
• Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.
• The Memo, by Minda Harts.
• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, by James Clear
• Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life, by Jamie Kern Lima
• 33 Tools to Remake Your Career by Paul Gabriel Dionne

Read my latest blogs…

• 
  5 Signs You’re Making Decisions Like a Pro Under Pressure
  Why Decision-Making Matters If you’ve ever had to make a major decision with everyone’s eyes on you—stakeholders, team members, or even close friends and family—you know the intensity that comes with high-pressure situations. This kind of pressure is magnified for Black executive women, who often… Read more: 5 Signs You’re Making Decisions Like a Pro Under Pressure
• 
  7 Stress Reduction Techniques Every Executive Should Know
  As a seasoned executive coach specializing in stress management for Black women in mid and senior-level careers, I’ve seen firsthand how the demands of leadership can weigh heavily. For many of my clients, the challenge isn’t just about managing tasks or people—it’s navigating systemic barriers,… Read more: 7 Stress Reduction Techniques Every Executive Should Know
• 
  Why Executive Time Management Should Be a Top Priority in 2025
  Why Time Management Feels Like Your Biggest Enemy Let me paint you a picture. It’s Monday morning, and you’re already behind. Your calendar is packed back-to-back with meetings, emails are flooding your inbox, and you’ve got pressing deadlines. Somewhere in the chaos, you’ve promised to… Read more: Why Executive Time Management Should Be a Top Priority in 2025
• 
  Manifesting Your Dream Life: Black Girl Goals for Happiness & Success
  Manifestation isn’t magic. It’s mindset and action. It’s about aligning your vision with intentional steps to turn those dreams into reality. As a busy, ambitious Black woman, you may be juggling career demands, family obligations, and personal growth goals. But let’s be real—sometimes it feels… Read more: Manifesting Your Dream Life: Black Girl Goals for Happiness & Success
• 
  Executives Boost Productivity with a 15-Minute Midday Reset
  Feeling drained by lunchtime? You’re not alone. Here’s how a simple 15-minute strategy can help you boost productivity, regain focus, energy, and control of your day. The Midday Slump is Real—But It Doesn’t Have to Win You know the feeling. It’s 1:00 PM, and instead… Read more: Executives Boost Productivity with a 15-Minute Midday Reset
• 
  Overcoming Isolation and Unlocking Career Success as a Black Woman Executive
  A Moment That Changed Everything I remember one day sitting in my office, quietly working, when I overheard my boss coaching one of my white male colleagues. He wasn’t just giving casual advice; he was helping him map out his career path, offering tips, and… Read more: Overcoming Isolation and Unlocking Career Success as a Black Woman Executive
• 
  10 Quick Stress-Busting Techniques Every Executive Should Know
  The Reality of Executive Stress As an executive, your days are filled with high-stakes decisions, back-to-back meetings, and constant pressure to deliver results. It’s no surprise that stress-busting techniques have become essential for many executive women, especially those balancing the demands of leadership with personal… Read more: 10 Quick Stress-Busting Techniques Every Executive Should Know
• 
  Overcome Decision Paralysis: 7 Secrets for Confident Choices
  According to a survey by Oracle, 72% of people globally experienced decision paralysis. Decision-making is a core skill for any leader, but for executive women navigating high-stakes situations, the ability to overcome decision paralysis can feel like an unwelcome guest that refuses to leave. When… Read more: Overcome Decision Paralysis: 7 Secrets for Confident Choices
• 
  Stress and Anxiety Tips Every Woman Leader Should Know
  Did you know that 42% of women leaders report feeling burned out, compared to about 35% of their male counterparts? Leadership is undoubtedly rewarding, but for women in executive roles, the demands of high-stakes decision-making, workplace dynamics, and personal responsibilities can lead to overwhelming stress… Read more: Stress and Anxiety Tips Every Woman Leader Should Know
• 
  7 Danger Signs of Being Managed Out
  Have you ever felt uneasy at work, wondering if your manager or team is trying to subtly push you out? The experience of being managed out can be distressing and confusing, especially when the signs of being managed out are unclear or ambiguous. This blog… Read more: 7 Danger Signs of Being Managed Out
• 
  10 Signs You’re Ready for an Executive Coach (And How to Find the Perfect Fit)
  Are you feeling stuck in your career, unsure of your next move, or struggling to balance the demands of leadership with your personal life? For many Black women in executive roles, these challenges can feel isolating. The good news is you don’t have to navigate… Read more: 10 Signs You’re Ready for an Executive Coach (And How to Find the Perfect Fit)
• 
  Mindful Leadership: How Executive Women Can Manage Stress and Lead Effectively
  In the final hours before a major presentation, Simone, a high-level executive, found herself in a familiar state of tension. As the clock ticked down, stress mounted, and her mind raced with the typical concerns: Will this be good enough? Can I balance everything on… Read more: Mindful Leadership: How Executive Women Can Manage Stress and Lead Effectively