How to break the glass ceiling: A Guide for Northern European Women

We all have heard the words “glass ceiling” for the umpteenth time as a metaphor for the invisible barriers that prevent women from rising to the highest ranks in their careers.

True, progress has been made, but even in Northern Europe, which sometimes boast with its equal opportunities, many women still find themselves hitting this invisible ceiling.

However, the glass ceiling can and should be overcome. This blog post will tell you practical strategies to break through this barrier and achieve the success you deserve.

Understanding the glass ceiling

First, it’s good to understand all the forms a glass ceiling may take. It is not a single obstacle but a complex web of barriers that can include gender biases, lack of mentorship, limited access to networks, and work-life balance challenges.

Breaking the glass ceiling requires not only personal effort but also systemic change within organisations and societies. Corporations and governmental institutions as well as third sector or other public organisations can have various glass ceilings either visible or hidden. The hidden ones are especially hideous, because first you are in good faith that the game is fair, but then reality hits you in the face.

There are some practical actions you can take to break the glass ceiling:

A growth mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that people can grow when it comes to their abilities and intelligence. This is a mindset I would like every recruiting manager to adopt. It’s rare to find someone who is a perfect fit for the position, but people are a species that have the ability to learn and grow.

Women who adopt a growth mindset are more likely to take on challenges, learn from criticism instead of getting defeated, and persist in the face of setbacks. They also make better hires for their own organisations. This mindset allows them to view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers.

So, focus on continuous learning and self-improvement. Seek out new challenges, even if they push you out of your comfort zone. However, choose your fights wisely: if you think you are going to be too far out from your comfort zone, think twice. Try to find the right level that suits your competence and courage. No need to have a nervous breakdown.

Remember: the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, the way to write a book is one word at a time and the way to build a career is step by step. Use feedback to improve and consider every constructive feedback as a gift.

 A strong network

Many women underestimate the importance of networking even though the right network can provide access to opportunities. Start by attending industry events and talking to as many people as you can; the next time in the same event you’ll already have some familiar faces, and you can deepen your relationship with them.

Personally, I have discovered that for me it’s best to go to events alone. That forces me to talk to people as I might otherwise be talking only with the person who accompanied me. Building long-term genuine relationships with people who can support your career growth is the key.

Start by identifying key individuals within and outside your organization who can offer guidance, mentorship, and sponsorship. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and participate in online forums to expand your network. Be proactive in reaching out to potential mentors and sponsors, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice or support.

Remember, do not be a taker, but a giver since a strong network is a two-way street; be sure to offer your support and expertise to others as well. Research has it that givers get more opportunities (and sales if you are in a sales position) than takers.

Find mentors and sponsors

Mentorship and sponsorship can be a huge help in career advancement, especially for women looking to break the glass ceiling.

A mentor can provide guidance, advice, and support, helping you navigate the challenges of your career.

A sponsor, on the other hand, is someone who actively advocates for you, opening doors to new opportunities and promoting your achievements to others. A sponsor is someone who speaks good about you when you are in the room, and – this is important – when you are not in the room.

To find a mentor, look for someone who has achieved success in your field and whose values align with yours. The value alignment is important and unfortunately cannot always be seen before you have talked to the person for some time.

You can reach out to a potential mentor with a clear request for mentorship, explaining why you admire their work and how you believe they can help you grow.

For sponsors in your organisation identify senior leaders who have the influence to advocate for your career advancement. Building these relationships takes time, so be patient, diligent, and persistent. Remember to be authentic and genuine with the organisations best interest in mind, not only your own interest, because people can see through the calculated and phony approach.

Develop your presence

Executive presence is often described as the "it" factor that distinguishes leaders from others. It’s the secret ingredient and it encompasses a combination of confidence, poise, communication skills, and the ability to awaken respect.

The basis for all this is your competence. If you want to become an executive in a corporation with high-expertise professionals, you must have a solid competence, not necessarily in that field, but on your own speciality, e.g., in law or finances. If you want to lead the business, you must have proven track record in understanding that business even if you do not know all the details.

To enhance your executive presence, work on your communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. Practice speaking clearly and confidently and learn to listen actively. There is a reason why we have one mouth and two ears. Pay attention to your body language, ensuring that it conveys confidence and authority. Additionally, work on building emotional intelligence, as this will help you connect with others and navigate complex workplace dynamics.

Seek out leadership opportunities

Leadership roles are often the stepping stones to break through the glass ceiling. Actively seek out opportunities to lead projects, teams, or initiatives within your organization. Leadership experience not only builds your skills but also increases your visibility and demonstrates your capability to take on higher roles.

Don’t wait for leadership opportunities to come to you; be proactive in seeking them out. Volunteer for challenging assignments, offer to lead cross-functional teams, or take the initiative to start a new project that aligns with your organisation’s goals.

If there are no opportunities presented to you even though you have been proactively expressing your wishes on career development, it might be the time to hit the road. Seek for a company that appreciates you.

Balance ambition with self-care

Breaking the glass ceiling requires ambition, determination, and hard work, but it’s also important to balance these qualities with self-care. Burnout is a real risk for women striving to achieve high levels of success, and it can undermine your efforts if not managed properly.

Prioritize your well-being by setting boundaries, taking time for rest and relaxation, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Recognize that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for sustained success. By taking care of yourself, you ensure that you have the energy and resilience needed to overcome the challenges you may face on your journey to breaking the glass ceiling.

Challenge gender bias and advocate for change

While personal strategies are essential for breaking the glass ceiling, it’s also important to challenge the systemic issues that contribute to gender inequality in the workplace. Gender bias, whether conscious or unconscious, create significant barriers for women’s advancement. As a woman aiming to break the glass ceiling, you have the power to advocate for change within your organisation. You may have all the competencies and the required experience, but still there is someone in a higher position who wants to promote someone like – him. Exactly.

Things do not change with these dinosaurs (excuse my French) unless you challenge gender stereotypes and biases when you encounter them, whether they manifest in hiring practices, performance evaluations, or daily interactions. Advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality, such as flexible working arrangements, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and transparency in promotion and pay decisions. By speaking up and taking action you contribute to a culture that supports the advancement of all women.

Do not be a victim of the “boys’ club” but get loud. They won’t like it, but then again, in the end things will change.

Celebrate your achievements

Finally, it’s important to recognise and celebrate your achievements along the way. Breaking the glass ceiling is not an easy journey, and it’s important to acknowledge the progress you’ve made. Celebrating your achievements boosts your confidence and reinforces your belief in your ability to succeed.

Keep a record of your accomplishments, big and small, and reflect on how far you’ve come. This is one of the best ways to overcome the imposter syndrome, too.

Share your successes with your network, mentors, and sponsors, and use them as leverage when negotiating or seeking new opportunities. By celebrating your achievements, you not only motivate yourself but also inspire other women to pursue their goals and break their own glass ceilings.

Despite the apparent equality in Northern Europe, the path to success may still be fraught with obstacles, but it is also filled with opportunities for growth, leadership, and empowerment.

One thing I want you to remember once you reach the top: show the way and support the next generation of women to do the same. Do not be a Queen Bee.