The 8 Cs Success Strategy

This is a guest post written by Myra Nawabi, Senior Project Engineer at Lockheed Martin. She has developed this thoughtful approach for building a successful career in STEM.

What’s holding you back from being all that you could be?

In my own life and through my work mentoring women, I’ve identified four barriers that keep us from realizing our potential and four keys to breaking through those barriers. My 8 Cs Success Strategy offers clarity on what’s holding you back and provides solutions for overcoming those challenges.

Barrier 1 — Culture

Cultural barriers can exist at a societal, workplace and family level. My dream of becoming an aerospace engineer was almost dashed by my family’s expectation that I marry and give up my pursuit of an engineering degree. Fortunately, I was able to return to college several years later and received my degree in education. (You can read more of my personal story right here on Wogrammer.)

Even if women succeed in breaking through a family cultural barrier, they can encounter challenging work environments that are biased against women. Although a company may have adopted a diversity policy, sometimes teams can create challenging environments where women’s contributions are downplayed or overlooked. Such cultures not only block a woman’s professional growth but can erode her self-assurance.

Barrier 2 — Cash

Money provides options, offers freedom and pays for the resources necessary to reach our potential. When we lack financial resources or the means to acquire them, we can be forced to abandon our dreams and settle for less.

Lack of money can trap women in difficult relationships or block their efforts to get the degree or training needed for their desired career. Many budding entrepreneurs are unable to launch their businesses due to a lack of capital. According to the female-focused investment community AllRaise, “only 15% of VC funding goes to teams with at least 1 female founder.”

Barrier 3 — Child Care

For many women, a lack of affordable high quality childcare can be a huge barrier. Without reliable childcare, a mother of young children may be forced to turn down a career enhancing job or educational opportunity.

Some women’s struggle and guilt over a less than optimal childcare arrangement can cause them to show up in the workplace as distracted, stressed and hesitant to stretch themselves, which can jeopardize their chances to move up.

Barrier 4 — Confidence

I’m amazed at the number of well educated, accomplished women who don’t advocate for themselves, promote themselves, or pursue opportunities due to a lack of confidence. Even more frustrating is that studies show that women must balance self-assurance with warmth and friendliness so as not experience a backlash for being too assertive.

So, how do we break through these barriers? The second part of my 8Cs Strategy provides some solutions — cultivate a community of confidants, cheerleaders, collaborators and coaches to support you in your success journey.

Breakthrough Strategy 1 — Confidants

Confidants make up our inner circle. These people have no agenda and sincerely want to see us happy and fulfilled. We share with them our deepest dreams, fears, and frustrations. Confidants will listen and offer sage advice. They celebrate our victories with us and provide a shoulder to cry on when we face disappointment.

Breakthrough Strategy 2 — Cheerleaders

Cheerleaders lift us up when we’re down and encourage us to keep going when the going gets tough. They’ll promote our accomplishments and champion our cause. They open doors by referring us for a job or promotion, and introducing us to their network.

Breakthrough Strategy 3 — Collaborators

Most great accomplishments aren’t the result of one individual’s effort but rather that of a team who bring their unique skills and abilities to the effort. The Palo Alto Lean in Circle would not have thrived without my awesome team of collaborators who volunteered their time and talents to create and maintain our community.

Whether you’re seeking a job, launching a business or running for office, having collaborators who share your vision and provide advice and resources can supercharge your efforts.

Breakthrough Strategy 4 — Coaches

Just as athletes need coaches to reach their potential, we need coaches to help us get unstuck, enhance our professional performance, and empower us to handle challenges. A good coach can help us view a situation from a different perspective, challenge us to stretch, and keep us accountable to our vision

You might be fortunate enough to have a mentor to coach you in navigating your workplace’s culture. If not, consider investing in yourself by retaining an executive coach. There are coaches who can help you move up the corporate ladder, reinvent yourself and improve your speaking skills.

By applying the 8 Cs Strategy, you can identify what’s keeping you stuck and start breaking through the barriers that hold you back. Share you own experiences and connect with Myra on social media on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.