This is the first in a second series of blog posts that will look at four personal strategies you can put in place to help you overcome barriers to women’s advancement in the workplace. The first series looked at the myths that act as barriers, as discussed in a workshop moderated by Deborah Gillis, Vice President, Catalyst Canada at our WiN-Canada Conference held in Ottawa on Feb. 27, 2008. Catalyst is the leading nonprofit corporate membership research and advisory organization working globally with businesses and the professions to build inclusive environments and expand opportunities for women and business.

Strategy #1 - Know what you want and put in place the building blocks for your own success.

Once you have soul-searched to know what you want, start by setting a goal for yourself.

The goal you choose determines:

1. The steps you need to take.
2. The people you need to influence.
3. How you engage internally and externally; and
4. The skills you need to develop.

I know you’ve been told time and time again that goal setting is important. Susanna Palomares over at Womens Media.com has written an excellent article on Setting Goals.

First off, she explains why goals are important. “Because goals can help you do, be, and experience everything you want in life. Instead of just letting life happen to you, goals allow you to make your life happen.”  She goes on to explain that, “by setting goals you are taking control of your life.”

Susanna sets out the Six P’s of goal setting:

Positive - goals must stated in the positive.

Present Tense - goals must be written as though they are happening now or have already happened.

Personal - goals must be about you, and under your control, not about someone else.

Precise - goals must be clear and describe exactly what you want to do.

Possible - goals must be realistic.

Powerful - goals should use words to convey action and emotion.

She suggests you “write goals and place them where you will see them at least twice a day and if possible, read them aloud and visualize what you are saying.” I’ve also heard people say you should read your goals every morning before you start your day and visualize your life after your goal is achieved. Susanna explains that you should “enjoy the feeling of success” while visualizing.

Now, go sit down and write out at least one goal, using the guidelines above. Don’t forget to read your goal aloud at least once everyday and visualize your success, soaking in what it feels like to achieve your goal. Do little checks and balances along the way to make sure you are on track and your goal is still relevant to your current situation.

Enjoy your success!

If you have any positive experiences with goal-setting leave a comment on the blog and tell us what worked for you.