Last fall, McKinsey’s “Women in the Workplace” report found that women continue to face blockers in the transition from entry-level positions to management roles. The problem — likened to a “broken rung” on the career ladder — has stunted women’s advancement and led to a persistent gender gap in senior leadership positions. The trend is most dire for women of color, who this past year have seen previous gains slip substantially.
It’s Time to Redefine Our Gendered Idea of “Ambition”
Rather than enforcing a binary point of view — you’re either climbing up the ladder or stepping aside — skillful managers don’t equate pace with potential.
February 08, 2024
![](https://hbr.org/resources/images/article_assets/2024/02/Feb24_08_200428479-006.jpg)
Martin Barraud/Getty Images
Summary.
What defines an ambitious worker? For far too long, we’ve only had one answer to that question: somebody single-mindedly dedicated to climbing the career ladder. But that model of ambition arose when professionals were typically men supported by women at home. Women today are integral to the workforce, but because they still disproportionately shoulder demands at home, they can’t always focus single-mindedly on climbing the ladder — and so are assumed not to be ambitious. That explains the problematic lack of women in positions of senior leadership today. For everybody’s benefit, the authors argue, it’s time for a new model of ambition — one that takes women’s perspective into account and puts a new emphasis on growth rather than time.
New!
![](https://hbr.org/resources/css/images/hmm/HBR-learning-icon.png)
HBR Learning
![](https://hbr.org/resources/images/hmm/Course_Illustrations/Leading_People_Course/topic_landing_page_1400.png)
Leading People Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
![](https://hbr.org/resources/css/images/hmm/HBR-learning-icon.png)
Leading People Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.
![](https://hbr.org/resources/images/hmm/Course_Illustrations/Leading_People_Course/topic_landing_page_1400.png)