Women Executives at a Disadvantage

Since the culture at most companies has been shaped over time by male executives, women are at a disadvantage when it comes to gender-based differences in communication styles.

A report, 'Women and Men in U.S. Corporate Leadership: Same Workplace, Different Realities?', by Catalyst, a New York-based nonprofit, found that 81% of women said that 'adopting a style with which male managers are comfortable' is an important or very important strategy to advance one's career.

Communication styles rooted in childhood training or unconscious beliefs can be tough to change. A first step is becoming aware of how you talk at work. Here are some pitfalls that women especially can encounter in the workplace:

--using too many words to deliver serious messages
--downplaying your contributions
--using vague language
--phrasing statements as questions
--using an upward inflection at the end of statements, which indicates doubt.

Working with an executive coach can help you to be clear on the communication style at your level within the company and to confidently practice this style so you will be heard at work. Having a game plan to break through the glass ceiling matters.