Women are well positioned today to change workplace dynamics and use their strength and talent to assume more leadership positions. Thirty four percent (34%) of American women between the ages of 25 and 34 have bachelor degrees compared to 27% of men, and women have higher GPA’s and are more likely to receive higher graduate degrees.

We have what it takes to make significant changes, but we need to own our success to move forward. The reality is that currently women only hold 18% of top leadership positions. Yes, there is still gender bias as well as challenges balancing work and family for women who want to advance their careers. I believe it’s time, however, to change the focus from the obstacles to the opportunities. It’s time to take responsibility for our own advancement.

In 2010, McKinsey and Company published a report called “Women Matter 2010. Women at the Top of Corporations: Making it Happen.” As part of their research they asked 1500 executives across different industries what are the biggest barriers to increasing gender diversity within the top management of the company? Thirty eight percent (38%) of the women executives interviewed said they see the biggest factor as their hesitancy to promote themselves. In other words, the biggest factor was within their control to change!

It’s time to focus on what we can control; what we can do personally to own our own success and promote ourselves.

What does it take to own your success?

1. Belief in yourself and an understanding of your value proposition.
2. Taking credit and acknowledging your accomplishments.
3. Speaking up and letting others know your opinion and thoughts.
4. Advocating for yourself. Requesting sponsorship.
5. Negotiating what’s fair and appropriate in salary and benefits.
6. Letting go of language that minimizes and sabotages your credibility.
7. Communicating your value to others.
8. Being visible within your organization and community to showcase your skills and talent.
9. Building and leveraging relationships that will assist you to reach your goal.
10. Having a strategic and intentional focus to advance your career.

We need to own our success to be successful.

Embrace it.

Believe it.

Nurture it.

Communicate it.

Celebrate it.

Take advantage of my FREE 7 Day Boot Camp on Promoting Yourself for Career Success. Sign up on my home page.   or on the right sidebar!