3 Traits Women Who Break the Glass Ceiling Have in Common What the fast-increasing number of high-achieving women share, and how to cultivate those same qualities in yourself.
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Over the last few years, we've seen more women than ever rise to the top and smash through barriers that might otherwise have held them back. According to Fortune, the number of women running Global 500 businesses is at an all-time high, and women-owned companies now account for 42% of all businesses in the U.S. — bringing in a whopping $1.9 trillion in annual revenue. While we still have a long way to go, especially when it comes to women of color (who only account for 23% of revenue, despite constituting 50% of the ranks of women-owned businesses), it's becoming increasingly clear that the future of business is increasingly female.
What do these high-achieving people have in common?
1. They turn off the noise
As a female business owner who built a seven-figure law firm, one of the most important skills I cultivated early on was tuning out the opinions of others. When I started practicing law, the amount of negativity I faced was staggering. I was told I couldn't write, that I wouldn't be successful… and upon leaving "big law" to start my own firm, just about everyone thought I was crazy. If I had listened to all of this, my achievements would likely have been dramatically lessened, which is why it's so important for women intent upon breaking the glass ceiling to ignore the noise. Pay no mind to the haters and naysayers and to those incessantly telling you how you "should" do something. Also, be mindful of the self-doubt that you'll inevitably experience, and get practiced at attenuating it. Instead, learn to dial in your focus; don't let yourself get distracted by what other people are doing. Focus on yourself instead.
Related: Are We Women the 'Imposters' Many of Us Think We Are?
2. They embrace flexibility
Right now, it's easier than ever for women to start new businesses and thrive in the workforce. Flexible work offerings mean it's cheaper to create an enterprise in industries that formerly required astronomical start-up costs, which is a huge boon for female entrepreneurs.
Back in the '90s, I started a law firm from my kitchen table, which definitely wasn't the norm. I didn't have an assistant or paralegal and had a baby who barely slept, but was determined to do things differently. Embracing flexibility turned out to be what made me successful; I was able to work from home, putting in odd hours while taking care of an infant, and built a successful business on my terms. As it grew, that flexibility continued; we introduced flat-fee pricing instead of a billable hours structure, and focused on building relationships with clients instead of hitting hourly quotes. In time, the firm grew so much that we ran out of space, and — instead of dumping a million dollars into a new office —transitioned to a hybrid work model that saves the business money while giving employees more freedom and control over their work.
Most women who succeed know that flexibility matters, and recognize that there is more than one way to do things. Instead of fixating on the "right" path, sometimes it's better to do what's right for you.
Related: 50 Ways Women Entrepreneurs Can Fund Their Businesses
3. They get out of their own way
One of the biggest myths in business is that an unwavering focus on competition is vital. For me, ignoring it was far more impactful. I truly believe that there is enough work for everyone, and women who embrace this sense of community tend to thrive.
When I first started doing media interviews, I almost turned down an opportunity with one of my local media networks because I found out one of my competitors had already done one there. Part of me thought, "Why bother? Is there even room for me?" Instead of backing out, however, I decided to ignore the competition and show up for myself. The result was that I did a fantastic job and wound up outpacing that competing firm.
The lesson is: don't fall into the common trap in which entrepreneurs cling to work because they're afraid of losing an opportunity, or of giving it to their competition, or of not hitting revenue targets. If something isn't right for you, that's okay. Don't be afraid to refer things out, and don't feel pressured to say "Yes" to something just because an opportunity arises.
Instead of worrying about who your competitors are and what they're doing, focus on you and your business. Where do you shine? What do you bring to the table? Double down on those things, and the rest will fall into place.
Related: 15 Success Secrets From Female Founders With $1 Billion Companies
