You don't have to be ruthless and step on other people's toes or push them to the side to climb up the corporate ladder. In my experience as a business and leadership coach, I've found that many women think they do. But this thinking is wrong. While getting to the top typically requires focus, determination and being prepared to win, you also often need the support of others. As a woman, you can be confident and dominate in your field without hurting people.
Here are three common beliefs I've found that many women hold:
1. You don't have to speak to your colleagues; just do the job and stay in your own world.
2. When you see an opportunity, you have to seize it by any means necessary.
3. No one is your friend at work, and they all want to see you fail. You shouldn't try to make friends; just do the job better than everyone.
I beg to differ with these beliefs. Rising to the top of the corporate ladder on your own and with a "Do whatever it takes" attitude can put you in a very lonely place. If you burn bridges and take everyone down with you, they probably won’t have your back when you need them. So it's important to be inclusive of others and help them on your journey to the top.
Here are four tips to help you climb the corporate ladder while helping everyone else rise with you.
1. Stay focused on your goals while being a team player.
In order to climb up the ladder, you must stay focused on your goals. Don't go astray by getting distracted by what everyone else is doing. Worry about what you are doing. Nevertheless, remember that you're still a team player and that as a team player, you need to be inclusive with your goals. See how others are doing, and, if you have the bandwidth, ask them whether they need help. Share your wins, and ask about their wins. Everyone will be happier.
2. Challenge yourself and others to achieve goals, and never give up.
Success isn't usually an easy task, and many people don't make it to the top of the corporate ladder because of the sometimes daunting hours, commitment, time, energy and effort. But if you want to make it, then you have to put in the work. Even if you hit a bump in the road or even if you fail, get back up; don't be defeated. Your setback can be your setup for greatness. When you have a goal, measure how close you are to achieving it every week. You can make it fun by including colleagues and having friendly challenges with each other. This can bring everyone together.
3. Keep learning, and share your knowledge with others.
Many people can sometimes feel relaxed and cozy in what they're doing. They can end up never growing mentally because they think they already know it all. But when you stop learning, you can become stagnant. You must always be willing to learn, grow and be better because those who keep learning are the ones who usually rise to the top. Continuing to learn and grow can help your career and those around you because you have knowledge and insights that you can use to help others.
4. Don't isolate yourself from your peers.
When you're on track to rise to the top, sometimes you can forget those around you and adopt a silo mindset. You don't think about helping others, nor do you think about how they can help you. But remember, most people don't get to the top, and stay there, alone. If you fall, you may need others to help you, so keep that in mind. I suggest connecting with your colleagues and seeing how you can grow together. You will likely help create a friendlier environment and build relationships that could come in handy.
When you sit down to create your master plan to get to the top, consider scratching the ruthless, step-on-others'-toes approach. Instead, try to help others rise with you on your way to the top.
