What is a glass cliff?

glass cliff (noun)

A situation in which women and other minority employees are preferentially appointed to leadership positions in times of crisis.

Data shows that companies are failing to retain and advance occupational minorities. Writing in MIT Sloan Management Review, Keith D. Dorsey, a managing partner at global executive search firm Boyden, examines one reason why: the “glass cliff” phenomenon. This occurs when women and other minorities are preferentially selected for leadership positions in times of upheaval, placing them at increased risk for failure.

One study found that poorly performing Fortune 500 companies were more likely to appoint a female CEO than those performing well. Another study found that boards were more likely to recruit female directors following decreased stock performance.

“In times of crisis, leaders — no matter who they are — tend to be seen as ineffective and part of the problem,” Dorsey wrote. When the leader is an occupational minority, any failure or lack of improvement tends to be blamed on their personal failings rather than the situation.

To avoid this outcome, organizations should fully analyze their current challenges and needs before selecting the appropriate leader to address them. With careful preparation and the right support system, glass cliffs can be opportunities for underrepresented groups to gain valuable experience and attain greater career success.

From glass ceilings to glass cliffs: A guide to jumping, not falling