Top Six Attributes of High-Ranking Women in Technology Identified in New Research Report from Anita Borg Institute

"Our survey explored both men and women's perceptions of what the key attributes are tiffanys success in technology," said Dr. Caroline Simard, vice president of research and executive programs for the Anita Borg Institute and author of the study. "The findings have helped identify common characteristics of those who have been able to break through the barriers associated with climbing the technical ladder. By shedding light on these attributes and encouraging further research on the subject, we hope to facilitate greater diversity, which is so critical to innovation, at all levels of the technology industry." Attributes of Success The study identified top attributes for success for senior technical women. Analytical: The majority of senior technical women perceive themselves as analytical. Indeed, all technical employees tend to see themselves as high on this attribute, as technical careers tend to first and foremost look for analytical and problem-solving skills. Unafraid to Question/Desire to Learn: A majority consider themselves as questioning - having the ability to ask the right questions, which is critical to problem-solving. Risk-Takers: A majority of senior technical women view themselves as risk-takers, which was identified by technical employees as one of the top four attributes of success. Moderate amounts of risk-taking are an important part of leadership, and senior women and men are equally as likely to perceive themselves as risk takers. This research shatters the stereotype that men are more likely to be risk takers than women are. Collaborative: Senior technical women are collaborators. A collaborative tiffany silver accessories style is perceived as a critical success factor in high-technology by both technical men and women, and is consistent with a culture that values innovation, which cannot be achieved without extensive collaboration. Collaboration is both a critical source of success but also a great source of career satisfaction. Hard-working/Long Hours: Advancement for senior women comes with long working hours. This finding is consistent with the culture of technology where advancement is tied to increased responsibility and significant availability. This can be a barrier for women who seek advancement while juggling family responsibilities in dual-career couples. 72 percent of the senior technical women surveyed reported cutting back on sleep to advance their careers and nearly a third have delayed having children. Assertive: A majority of senior technical women describe themselves as assertive - significantly more so than women at the entry and mid levels. In a professional culture that rewards speaking up, self-promotion, and ambition, senior women interviewed uniformly said they had to learn to be assertive and promote themselves in order to advance. However, research also shows that women have less freedom than men in assertive behavior. Because women's assertiveness defy long-standing gender stereotypes, women often experience a "likeability penalty" when they are assertive. For more information, visit: Senior Technical Women: A Profile of Success, full report New Research Report from Anita Borg Institute Highlights the Characteristics that Lead to Advancement of Technical Women, press release 2009 Technical Executive Forum: Breaking Barriers to Cultural Change in Corporations, press release About the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (ABI) The Anita Borg Institute provides resources and tiffany silver bangles to help industry, academia, and government recruit, retain, and develop women leaders in high-tech fields, resulting in higher levels of technological innovation. ABI programs serve high-tech women by creating a community and providing tools to help them develop their careers. ABI is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 charitable organization.