A Research Paper created by Teresa Shaffer
(Executive Coaching, UNITED STATES)
And Executive Coaching for Women Leaders Gets Them to the C Suite
It’s true; over the last few decades women have made great advancements in the workplace. Yet, their progress has stalled when it comes to making it into the C Suite and top level positions. There’s a drastic decline when it comes to women moving from middle management to higher level leadership positions which are still outnumbered by men. There are various reasons for this. And let’s be clear, it’s a steep climb to the top for both men and women; however, women face real barriers that men don’t have.
According to a 2011 Catalyst report women comprise:
- Less than 4% of Fortune 500 CEOs, presidents, executive vice presidents and COOs;
- Only 7.5% of Fortune 500 top corporate earners; and
- Fill only 14% of board seats in Fortune 500 companies.1
Gender-balanced Top Management Presents Unprecedented Opportunities for Growth
These discrepancies are obviously a great disservice to talented women leaders in general, but they are
also a serious liability for organizations preparing to compete in today’s emerging global economy.
Business is changing quickly. Organizations have to deliver better results, faster in a diverse workforce and at the same time, inspire and engage their people in this highly-competitive global marketplace.
Today’s capital is human capital—talent and knowledge. The more you have, the more successful you will be on the economic stage. No organization can afford to overlook half its workforce—women. Remember the old adage “Two heads are better than one.” In terms of economic power, men and women working together with their diverse perspectives and talents is going to produce the most innovation.2 It is also the road to rising to a higher level of leadership and organizational excellence.