The concept of a business glass ceiling for women is one that is still evident in many workplaces. The glass ceiling refers to the instance when a qualified individual stops advancing at a certain level within their company because of some form of discrimination. Usually that discrimination is sexism or racism.

The Wall Street Journal coined the term "glass ceiling" in the 1980's and led the government to start a Glass Ceiling Commission in the 1990's. The Commission was to come up with recommendations to end the discrimination. Despite that, it's still happening in companies all around the US. As a professional, you can break the glass ceiling by:

1. Using glass ceiling resources to recognize and combat the discrimination.

2. Taking advantage of training, classes and seminars to rise above the glass ceiling.

3. Making a conscious effort, as a manager, not to fall into the trap of a glass ceiling for women.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Obtain glass ceiling resources to inform your staff and to help you break the cycle

The fact that women who work full-time make about 2/3 the salary of their male counterparts proves the concept of the glass ceiling for working women. You can't fight the glass ceiling if you don't recognize it within your company.

I recommend: Receive newsletters or scholarship information by filling out an online form with the Break the Glass Ceiling Foundation. Use the Microquest Corporation Shattering the Glass Ceiling database to search people or companies who are shattering the glass ceiling myth. You can also find plenty of female glass ceiling articles to use as resources.

Bust through the female glass ceiling through seminars on mobility and self-advancement

If you're trapped beneath the glass ceiling in business, you need to empower yourself to obtain your full potential and transition into a more fulfilling career. Build a track record for getting the job done, become a leader within your company, choose an expertise area in the first five years and show-off your people-management skills.

I recommend: To learn how and why men and women think they way they do, check out Marsvenusatwork.com. They offer workshops based on the concepts found in best-selling author Dr. John Gray's book "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus." IM Diversity has a job bank, which allows you to search with keywords, categories or location.

Recognize gender differences as a positive in business and use it to break the glass ceiling

Managers are the people who build the glass ceiling in business, if they don't appreciate the differences between men and women and how those differences are a company asset. Allow each person to communicate in their own way, because men and women have different approaches to communication. Start a program that gets rid of structural and cultural biases. Consider reward systems for staffing, organization design and performance.

I recommend: EEOC compiles data on workplace diversity. You can search by city to find female glass ceiling information. Chowk offers seminars on the glass ceiling in business. You can read those seminars online and participate in forums and threads on the topic.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Have a frank discussion with your human resources representative if you feel you're falling victim to the business female glass ceiling. Be prepared with examples and proof of the discrimination.