Research shows that women's ambitions to reach a top position in their companies fade quickly after entering the workforce.  At the start of their careers, more women than men aspire to top management.  Yet after just three years in the workplace, only 16% of women have top management aspirations, while 34% of men did. And contrary to popular belief, it has nothing to do with having children!

Some of this loss of ambition is because of what women encounter in the workplace – subtle and not-so-subtle gender discrimination. For example, for every 100 women who receive their first promotion, 130 men are promoted — and women never recover from this disparity as their careers unfold.  Only 30% of women in middle management and 24% of women in upper management believe that women have an equal opportunity to be promoted on the same timeline as men.

Obviously, companies need to change if women are to feel they have an equal shot at success.  But in the meantime, there are a number of things that women can do to maintain their ambition to reach the highest levels in their companies.  

We’ve had a number of interesting conversations with guests on the podcast about maintaining ambition as you progress in your career.  Here are some important takeaways from those conversations:

1. Reframe ambition

Many women are ambivalent about being (or appearing) ambitious.  They equate it with negative attributes like being cut-throat, selfish or unlikeable.  Or they fear that it will interfere with their ability to devote time to their families or other interests.  Perhaps that ambivalence could be lessened by focusing on the benefits of being ambitious.  Being ambitious is not only good for you in terms of earnings and career satisfaction. It could be good for other women at your company to have a woman at a senior level.  It also could be good for your team, by enabling them to get more resources and recognition.  You could be seen as a role model for your kids or for younger women. 

2. Take risks early in your career

Many women tend to be too cautious early in their careers— afraid to ask for the growth opportunities that will fuel their confidence and ambition. They think that they need to develop certain skills or relationships before taking those risks.  But early in your career is the perfect time to take risks because there is little downside.  

3. Make your own opportunities

When you see opportunities in front of you, don't wait for an invitation —raise your hand. Put yourself out there for stretch assignments and high-profile projects.  Success breeds success.

4. Seek a supportive manager

It turns out that the critical factor in a woman maintaining high career aspirations is having a manager who cares about her growth and provides her with the necessary tools for success.  As you consider new jobs and new assignments, make finding a supportive manager a priority.

5. Look for role models

One of the impediments to women maintaining their desire to reach senior positions is the perception that doing so requires a 24/7 commitment to their job.  While it’s certainly true that senior executives work hard, many have crafted successful personal lives, as well as professional ones. Consciously look for such examples - in both men and women. Seek out advice about how people balance their work lives with satisfying personal lives. Don’t just assume that career success is incompatible with a healthy personal life. 

For more insights on why and how to maintain your ambition, listen to episode 20 - Women May Be Less Ambitious – But It’s Not Because of Kids with Julie Coffman, and episode 40 - Survey Says: Disparities in Promotion and Feedback Exist with Alexis Krivkovich and episode 65 – Which Career Path Will You Choose with Hana Schank and Elizabeth Wallace