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HBR IdeaCast

Why the Glass Cliff Persists

Mar 26, 2024
Former C-suite advertising executive Sophie Williams discusses the persistence of the glass cliff phenomenon, where women are often set up to fail in top leadership roles during crises. She offers advice for navigating these challenges and reshaping the corporate world's narrative.
29:16

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Quick takeaways

  • The glass cliff phenomenon puts women in tough leadership roles during crises, hindering their success.
  • The glass cliff extends to all underrepresented individuals, impacting leadership diversity and organizational outcomes.

Deep dives

The Continued Impact of Glass Cliff on Women in Leadership Roles

The glass cliff phenomenon, identified nearly 20 years ago, continues to affect women in leadership positions, placing them in challenging roles during times of crisis or organizational underperformance. Research shows that women are often appointed to such roles in organizations ranging from corporate to academia, with notable examples like Marissa Mayer at Yahoo and Theresa May as UK Prime Minister. Despite some exceptions, the persistence of the glass cliff negatively impacts women's careers, business outcomes, and society at large.

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