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The Broken Rung: Where the Climb Stalls Early
For years, we’ve been told the problem is at the top.
The elusive C-suite. The final glass ceiling.
But what if the real issue isn’t just the ceiling?
What if it’s the ladder itself?
According to research, for every 100 men promoted from entry-level to manager, only 81 women are promoted, and the numbers are even lower for women of color. This is what’s known as the broken rung-the first step up that too many women are missing.
And without that step, every rung above becomes harder to reach.
Here’s what makes the broken rung so dangerous: It’s early. It’s subtle. And it’s often invisible until the damage is done.
Why Visibility, Not Just Talent, Shapes Leadership Paths
Unfortunately, I see it all the time in my work with executive women and high-potential leaders. Brilliant, capable women doing the work…and more…yet still passed over for that first promotion into leadership. Told to “be patient,” “wait your turn,” or “prove yourself just a little more.”
Meanwhile, their peers are climbing past them…faster and with fewer receipts required.
And it’s not just about promotions. It’s about perception.
Who’s seen as a leader early on?
Who’s given stretch projects?
Who’s invited into the room?
The broken rung isn’t about merit. It’s about missed moments of visibility and sponsorship.
How to Advocate for Yourself and Your Next Step Up
But here’s the shift-we can stop waiting for someone to fix the ladder.
We can build new steps. Name the problem. Challenge the patterns. And create internal cultures where leadership isn’t narrowly defined by volume, visibility or comfort with the status quo.
If you’re in a leadership position now, look around.
Who’s stuck on that first rung while others are being pulled up?
And if you’re stuck on that rung, know this…it’s not about your capability. It’s about the system.
Still, there’s action you can take:
- Advocate for your promotion-don’t wait to be noticed
- Track your wins-and share them regularly.
- Align with leaders who are known for lifting others.
- Build a network that reflects where you want to go.
- If you’re already up the ladder…be the hand that pulls others up.
One of my favorite quotes says: “When you get to the top, don’t forget to send the elevator back down.”
No More Broken Rungs: Your Voice, Your Power, Your Move
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be at the top to start changing the system.
You just have to say: no more broken rungs.
It’s time to redesign the climb. And no…you don’t need to prove yourself one more time to earn it.
Want help navigating your next step up, or building a ladder that actually works?
Let’s connect.