The document summarizes the results of a survey of over 600 women executives about their career experiences and advice for rising leaders. Key findings include that communication, critical thinking, and initiative were the top skills seen as lacking in new graduates. Respondents emphasized the importance of staying engaged in their careers, developing a strong reputation through communication, and balancing being direct with likability. The top piece of advice was to actively work towards one's goals and circumstances.

1. What the Most Successful Women DO Differently: Advice for Rising Leaders By Emily Bennington Professional Studio 365

2. This project started with a survey of more than 600 (very honest) women executives…

3. … and my frustrations as a young executive trying to be liked and respected at work.

4. Worried about coming across too assertive , I overcompensated by trying to be nice , which only made me look weak .

5. So I asked Tory Johnson to post the survey link on her Facebook page…

7. Is this really how women feel about other women leaders?

8. The women who took this survey… … 605 total (so far) … 80% aged 25-54 … 53% work for companies with more than 100 employees … majority (36%) are at mid-senior level (e.g. director, VP, etc.) … only 4% are presidents / C-Suite

9. Which, sadly, aligns with the national numbers. Source: CNN Money / Fortune (May 2010)

10. Source: CNN Money / Fortune (May 2010) Success Rule #1 Stay in the Game!

11. Sheryl Sandberg’s Ted Talk is a must see .

13. When women drop out of the workforce, it’s usually not the result of one BIG decision…. … but a chain of seemingly little ones with the same end result.

14. “ Do not lean back - lean in . Put your foot on that gas pedal and keep it there until the day you have to make a decision, and then make a decision. That's the only way, when that day comes, you'll even have a decision to make.”

15. Was this the dream?

16. Is it the glass ceiling or is it us?

17. Just keep swimming.

19. Which skill do you feel is MOST lacking in new grad hires? Communication - 30% Critical thinking / Problem solving - 27% Initiative - 25% Follow-through - 18%

20. The good. “ They are technically savvy, have fresh ideas, and endless energy.” “ Today’s grads juggle multiple priorities to finish college. By the time they hit the workforce, they are skilled at multi-tasking and addressing ever-changing priorities.” “ I’ve found the grads we hire are willing to take on anything, willing to learn, and bring a lot of good, base-level knowledge and skills to the workplace.”

21. Out of 328 comments, 104 specifically mentioned “entitlement” or low work ethic. The bad.

22. The ugly.

23. The uglier.

24. Punctuality Likability Accountability Dependability Responsibility Humility Visibility Credibility “ Little” things are actually quite BIG. Success Rule #2: Mind Your -Ilities

25. Which skill do you feel is MOST lacking in new grad hires? Communication - 30% Critical thinking / Problem solving - 27% Initiative - 25% Follow-through - 18%

26. “ Your reputation is everything .”

27. Success Rule #3: Develop your reputation as a first-class communicator.

28. First-class communication = Acumen Filter. Focus. High-Touch.

29. What does success look like?

30. Poor communication skills are the #1 reason executives – male and female – don’t make it to the center ring.

31. WARNING: Years of e-communication have resulted in digital natives losing the ability to recognize facial cues.

32. 32% Which is MOST lacking in new grad hires? 29% 21% 11% 7%

34. We all know crying at work isn’t cool, but...

35. ...women are born with 6 times the hormone that makes people cry AND our tear ducts are twice as large.

37. Here we go again with the sad stereotypes.

38. The women who preferred to be managed by men used words like “ direct ” and “ no nonsense .”

39. Sound familiar?

40. Success Rule #4: Chart the Middle Road.

41. The middle ground between nice and respected… … is a straight line. Be direct.

43. “ Don’t wait another three years to get over being shy. Start networking NOW.” “ Finish your education and never stop learning.” “ Keep a ‘brag book’ of accomplishments, no matter how small.” “ Work to earn a living – do not live to work!” “ Don’t panic…just breathe. It will be tough – it will push your limits, but you’ll survive.” “ The career path you take in your 20’s won’t be the path in your 50’s.” “ Don’t be so idealistic – you’ll be disappointed.” “ Don’t let others define you.” “ Laugh more and never let anyone tell you can’t do something.” “ Sell confidence, but be prepared with knowledge.”

44. But the #1 advice ( by far )?

45. Success Rule #5 GO FOR IT.

46. “ What are you doing TODAY to change your circumstances so they are aligned with what you truly want for yourself?” - Tory Johnson

47. Share the survey online at NewGirlzClub.com

48. ProfessionalStudio365.com Emily Bennington Facebook.com/EmilyBenningtonCollegetoCareer @EmilyBennington [email_address]