Excerpt
Introduction
The Story of this Book
Have you ever found yourself asking:
- How can I be more successful?
- Why am I not any further along in my career?
- What don’t I know or haven’t figured out about progressing in an organization?
If you’ve wondered about these questions, you are not along. Neither the corporate training or seminars I’ve attended, nor any of the books I’d read, gave me the answers I needed on how to excel within an organization. I could see there were a select few around me who knew something I didn’t, but I couldn’t seem to identify what it was. That “something” is the topic of this book. At the end of writing the book, I was surprised to learn that I’d also uncovered the secrets of being successful in anything.
Catalyst reported in 1999 that there were only 375 women officers in Fortune 500 (registered trademark) with profit-and-loss or revenue-generating responsibility out of 5,525 total line positions. Thus, only 6.8 % of the line officers were women. (“Line” positions are those jobs that allow the jobholder to understand how the company makes money. People in these positions have the power and set the direction and policies of the company.)
The purpose of this book is to:
- Share the sills and insights of women who have made it to the top so that more women can move into leadership positions and learn how to fully use their skills.
- Provide women information so they can rise above stereotypes and prejudices and take control of their own lives to achieve their goals.
- Supply information to anyone who wants to learn what it takes to advance in his or her career.
This book profiles nine of the most powerful women in American business. The criteria for being part of this exclusive group are that she:
- Works or has worked for a Fortune 500 company
- Holds a top position with profit-and-loss responsibility
- Worker her way up the corporate ladder (as opposed to getting the job, for example, through family connections or as a result of a merger or acquisition.)
While women hold 375 of the top 5,525 line positions, 107 of these women hold the very top “clout” positions in their companies, I.E. Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, Senior Executive Vice President, and Executive Vice President. My research uncovered less than 100 women of the 375 who fit all my three criteria. These women have figured out what it takes to succeed!
Based on the statistics, men clearly run and control the majority of companies. The focus of this book is on the women who have made it into the executive ranks and what they learned that has allowed them to excel in the male dominated business world. This book is not derogatory towards men or corporations. There is no doubt that corporations could do more, but the fact is we need to focus on what we have control over – ourselves! Women need to step up to the plate to play the game like the big boys if they want to succeed in the corporate arena. This does not mean they need to act like a man! This is about taking our assets as an individual and using them to be our best.
What is now the subtitle was originally the title. When the title change was made, one of the interviewees chose to be removed from the book because she thought the title was sexist and could damage her career. These women have learned about adapting into their environment. The woman who withdrew was making the statement that in her environment, a book entitled “Playing with the Big Boys” would not be acceptable for her to participate in, regardless of the book content. This is an important statement on how savvy these women have to be to their surroundings. These women have worked very hard to keep their sex a non-issue in their job performance. They are where they are because they are the right person for the job. With men controlling 88.1% of the executive positions, the title seemed and appropriate tag line.
Reviews
"Insightful, informative, and timely, Playing with the Big Boys is a must-read for working women who want to succeed in their career. It helps women realize their potential in the workplace and companies to best tap the talents women represent."
- Kay Koplovitz, CEO, Working Women Magazine
"Why wasn't this book around when I started my career 20+ years ago? Playing with the Big Boys provides a glimpse at the common traits of successful women in business and provides anecdotal lessons from women who have learned how to triumph."
- Geraldine Laybourne, Founder and CEO, Oxygen Media
"This is a wonderful book, full of powerful, practical, proven ideas and insights that will enable you to achieve your goals faster than you can even imagine."
- Brian Tracy, Author - The 100 Absolutely Unbreakable Laws of Business Success
"Empowering insights from top women professionals. The hands-on illustrations in this book will shatter the real or imaginary glass ceilings in your path and set you free to excel in your career and personal life."
- Dr. Dennis Waitley, author, "The Psychology of Winning" and "The Psychology of Winning for Women"
