The Broken Rung of the Corporate Ladder and How You Can Fix It
Updated: Jan 30, 2025
Jamie Dandar McKinney, MBA, is an award-winning coach and the best-selling author of Speak Up, Sister! The Professional Woman's Guide to Confidence and Success. Recognized as an Emerging Training Leader and a Top Woman in Energy, Jamie jokes that her stilettos have steel toes.
Learn to amplify your strengths, build powerful networks, and speak with confidence to claim your seat at the table. Imagine this: You're climbing the corporate ladder, each phase a confident step up, until you suddenly come to a halt. What you've run into is not the glass ceiling, but something trickier to spot: the "broken rung." This hidden hurdle is notorious for derailing ascents and rattling confidence; however, the climb can quickly resume with the right tools and strategies.
Recent graduates of the 3 Pillars of Leadership course. This empowered cohort has successfully advanced their leadership skills, repaired rungs, and advanced their careers.
Pictured: Coaches – Annette Pilkington and Jamie McKinney. Graduates – Tamara Snook, Emily Zanto, Alisa Otten, Murphy Hogsett, Alainna Lahna, Colleen Thomas, Erin Sevatson, and Tracey Riley
The broken rung is the all-too-common challenge women face while navigating their career paths. Despite progress in leadership diversity, that first big promotion into management or senior leadership remains an ambiguous hurdle with no clear roadmap. Fewer women make it to management, and companies miss out on the creativity and productivity that diverse teams deliver. Fixing the broken rung is not just a women's opportunity; it's a business opportunity. It's also about working smarter, not harder. Women can overcome these challenges by honing three key skills that form the foundation of the broken rung toolkit. Leveraging these tools at the right time, with the right people, makes a fast and refreshing difference.
Own and market your strengths
The first step in breaking through the broken rung is identifying unique strengths and talents and marketing them effectively. Women who recognize their abilities and comfortably highlight their accomplishments come across as confident and resourceful. Embracing the philosophy that "it's not bragging when it's true" is critical for career advancement. By owning and conveying their value, women position themselves as indispensable contributors ready for leadership roles.
Build a strong professional network
Career advancement does not happen in isolation. Building a strong professional network of mentors, allies, and champions is essential for morale and progression. These connections provide guidance, open doors, and create a support system that helps women navigate challenges. Networking is not just about meeting people; it's about cultivating meaningful relationships that result in mutual benefits.
Master the assertive voice
Assertiveness is about balancing confidence and respect, ensuring one's voice is heard without being overshadowed. Mastering this skill helps women fully participate in conversations, challenge biases, and command the authority necessary for leadership roles. It's also an effective way to leave a meeting with your head held high and even receive approving glances from inspired colleagues.
By developing these three skills, women equip themselves to overcome the broken rung and create a pathway to success. As more women rise into management, their talents and gifts will commensurately support companies in rising to their next levels as well. Everyone wins.
Call to action: Broken rung
Have you encountered a broken rung in your career ladder? Are you ready to fix it and step into the leadership role you deserve? The 3 Pillars of Leadership Course is your solution. Experience empowerment after the very first session as you instantly amplify your strengths.
Make today the day you step into the leadership role you are meant to be.
Book a Discovery Call today and take the first step toward transforming your career.
Jamie McKinney, Leadership Coach l Speaker l Author
Jamie Dandar McKinney, MBA, is an award-winning coach and the best-selling author of Speak Up, Sister! The Professional Woman's Guide to Confidence and Success. Recognized as an Emerging Training Leader and a Top Woman in Energy, Jamie jokes that her stilettos have steel toes. After two decades in male-dominated industries, Jamie mastered building confidence as deliberately as building muscle and leading with authenticity. Through her dynamic programs, The 3 Pillars of Leadership and Speak UP to Level UP®, she empowers you to ditch doubts, amplify your voice, and propel your career. Get ready for results with Coach Jamie championing you!
