Turn the top 7 career breakers for women into career makers

Statistically, more than one-third of Fortune 500 managers are women-and yet we represent barely five percent of the top earners among executives. Usually, we blame it on men-those "old boy" networks that don't typically welcome women into "the club." But, according to leadership coach Rebecca Shambaugh, the real obstacle to women's advancement is not a "glass ceiling." It's the self-imposed career blocks that prevent us from moving up.

These are the 7 "sticky floors"

1. Balancing Your Work and Life

2. Embracing "Good Enough" in Your Work

3. Making the Break

4. Making Your Words Count

5. Forming Your Own Board of Directors

6. Capitalizing on Your Political Savvy

7. Asking for What You Want

Admit it: You've probably been "stuck" in at least one or more of these situations. Maybe you're a perfectionist who has trouble letting go of a task. Maybe you're so loyal to your company that you haven't explored other career options. Maybe you're afraid of speaking up in meetings. Or maybe you're so accommodating to others' needs that you never take care of your own.

This book will show you how to get unstuck from these common traps. You'll discover how other successful women have managed to break out of middle management jobs to grab the top leadership positions. You'll hear hard-won advice from working mothers who also happen to be CEOs, including proven tricks of the trade when it comes to juggling career and family. You'll learn how to conquer your insecurities, transform your thinking, tailor your behavior, and demand the kind of professional recognition you deserve. There's even a section of fill-in charts and checklists at the end of the book to help you stay on track, in control, and on the rise.

Once you've freed yourself from life's sticky floors, there's nowhere to go but up.

Break Through Your Fears-and Embrace Your Own Power

"Becky Shambaugh has written a wonderful book that should inspire women to believe in themselves and become great leaders in the 21st century. She believes women have to be courageous risk takers to reach their goals and to be self-motivating. She cites many of her own personal examples as the way to go. It's a great guidebook for women to step up the ladder."-Helen Thomas, member, White House Press Corps., former White House Bureau Chief, UPI

"Insightful and thought provoking! Here is a guide to career and life success that is filled with practical tips to escape the career limiting 'sticky floors.' The effective use of real-world examples from strong leaders makes for a most enjoyable read. And the presentation of actionable items and practical tips sets her book apart from the many books in the market. As a hiring executive and a mentor I believe this is a must read for both businessmen and businesswomen!"-Tom Kendra, group president, Security & Data Management Group (SDMG), Symantec Corporation

"Becky Shambaugh's book, It's Not a Glass Ceiling, It's a Sticky Floor is a valuable new tool to help women unleash themselves from their own preconceived notions and move to new levels of leadership and significance."-Frances Hesselbein, chairman and founding president, Leader to Leader Institute

Shambaugh, Rebecca

Rebecca Shambaugh is the founder, president, and CEO of SHAMBAUGH Leadership, which was recently selected by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the top entrepreneurial companies in the Washington, D.C. area. She began her career as a human relations specialist at General Motors and has worked for several major corporations.

Her Web site is www.shambaughleadership.com.