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Have you experienced that unique career challenge: the sticky floor? We’ve all heard of the “glass ceiling”—those invisible barriers limiting career progression often imposed by others on us. But how about the “sticky floor”, those feelings of being “stuck” in the current position—struggling to take that next step despite having the skills and experience to advance?
For many women, the sticky floor is a result of societal, cultural, and organisational factors that silently prevent them from moving forward. It’s the beliefs we hold about ourselves, and society in general that our wonderful brain can use against us. So, whereas the barriers that create a “glass ceiling” come from external sources, often those associated with a “sticky floor” are all our own work.
It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly running on the spot, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities and facing barriers that seem too large to overcome. However, recognising the existence of these barriers is the first step to breaking free.
When we recognise these barriers and limits and take deliberate, focused action then we are able to free ourselves from that sticky floor and ultimately, break the glass ceiling. In this blog, we’ll explore some strategies to get yourself “unstuck”, overcoming the barriers holding you back from career advancement, empowering you to step into leadership and break through that glass ceiling.
Before we dive into strategies, it’s important to understand the sticky floor concept. This term refers to the often-subconscious obstacles that hold women in place within their careers, even when they’re highly qualified. These obstacles include:
So, how can you break free from the sticky floor and rise to smash that glass ceiling?
A significant part of the sticky floor is self-doubt. Despite having the expertise, many women struggle with imposter syndrome—the feeling that they don’t belong or that they haven’t truly earned their success. To break through the sticky floor and break the glass ceiling, you need to recognise and challenge these thoughts.
One way to do this is by keeping a record of your achievements. Each time you complete a project, receive positive feedback, or overcome a significant challenge, write it down. When you start to feel self-doubt creeping in, refer back to your list. This visual reminder will help you realise your accomplishments and validate your worth.
However, whereas we remember those big achievements it’s easy to forget the smaller ones. So, make sure to also recognise the smaller accomplishments in this list – Don’t limit yourself to just the “gold medal” achievements. Those small advancements also count!
Mentorship and sponsorship are invaluable when trying to push past the sticky floor. A mentor can provide guidance, share their own experiences, and offer advice on how to advance. Sponsors are those who actively advocate for you in leadership discussions, recommend you for high-profile projects, and speak on your behalf when opportunities arise.
Finding a mentor or sponsor within your organisation or industry is essential for breaking the glass ceiling. A strong advocate can help you access the opportunities that will elevate your career and increase your visibility.
To break through any limiting restrictions, you need to hone your leadership skills. Leadership is not just about managing people; it’s about inspiring others, building trust, and demonstrating vision. As a woman in business, utilise your arsenal of emotional intelligence tools here, namely, intuition; that “gut instinct”, empathy and compassion.
Start by taking on more leadership roles, whether in formal settings or as part of a team project. If leadership opportunities aren’t readily available, seek them out in different forms—lead a task force, mentor a colleague, or spearhead an internal initiative. These experiences will position you as a leader, and your credibility will grow, helping you break past barriers.
One of the reasons many women remain stuck is a lack of visibility. If you’re not actively advocating for your work or making your contributions known, you’re less likely to be considered for new opportunities. Being heard is critical in your journey to breaking the glass ceiling.
When you participate in meetings, make sure your ideas are heard. Don’t let others take credit for your ideas. Learn how to assert yourself confidently, ensuring your presence and contributions are recognised.
Networking isn’t just about making connections for career advancement—it’s about building relationships that offer support, guidance, and inspiration. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who understand your challenges and aspirations can help you gain the confidence needed to push past the sticky floor.
Reach out to colleagues, industry peers, and professional organisations that focus on empowering women in business. Build a community of women who will support each other in breaking barriers and achieving success.
One of the most common barriers for women in business is the tension between work and personal life. Many women feel like they have to sacrifice personal well-being or family time to advance in their careers.
However, to break the glass ceiling, it’s essential to find a work-life integration (Note: Not balance – See my next blog for why I believe “balance” is a misnomer) that allows you to maintain your health, fulfil your responsibilities, and pursue career growth without burnout.
Delegate tasks where possible, set boundaries, and be intentional about taking time for yourself. This balance is essential to staying focused, motivated, and ready to take on the next challenge when the opportunity arises.
Systemic barriers that contribute to the sticky floor often require a collective effort to dismantle. You don’t have to wait for someone else to start advocating for diversity and equality in the workplace. You can take the initiative by championing inclusivity within your organisation.
Promote initiatives that encourage diversity at all levels, especially in leadership positions. This not only helps others break through the sticky floor, but it also helps create an environment where all employees, regardless of gender or background, feel valued and empowered to succeed.
While the sticky floor may seem like an invisible force keeping you in place, you have the tools and strategies needed to break free and reach new heights. By cultivating confidence, finding mentorship, developing leadership skills, and advocating for inclusivity, you can push past the sticky floor and rise above it.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Book a Coaching Power Hour with me today and start working on strategies to break free from the sticky floor and break the glass ceiling for good.
