Moving through the glass ceiling: rising to executive management requires thoughtful reflection, hard work and a plan.

Advancing to senior management can be challenging, particularly for women. Still, many women today are making great strides in their career progression towards executive roles.

Now more than ever, successfully managing your career path will greatly depend on the kinds of focused planning, critical thinking, risk-taking, motivation and support you engage in and receive, so thoughtful and deliberate preparation is in order.

Create a Career Plan

To begin, your journey to achieving executive-level status should start with determining where you want to go and then developing a detailed career plan for getting there. Focusing on a cohesive strategy will allow you to make a difference--culturally, operationally and financially--in your organization, while assisting you in laying the groundwork for your journey to the top. You'll find it much easier to keep your eye on your ultimate career goals if you have outlined an effective plan.

Become a Better Communicator

Effective communication has always been a critical business skill. The ability to rally individuals and teams, as well as communicate effectively with supervisors, staff and outside constituencies is a skill you will need to acquire and develop throughout your career.

The most important aspect of communication is the ability to listen--not only to hear the words that people are saying but also to understand the concerns and motivations that lie beneath the words. And it's especially important, in this era of e-mail, to communicate as clearly, concisely, and persuasively on paper (or electronically) as you do in person or over the telephone

Take Time For Reflection

Initiate your planning process by taking time to reflect on what you want to accomplish and why. Are you prepared for the Iong hours and responsibility typically associated with being a senior-level executive? Do you enjoy managing people and untangling complex problems? Do you want to advance within your present company or switch firms or industries? Your personal desires need to also be taken into account.

Develop and Build Your Skills Now

Skills development, especially for executive leaders, is an ongoing process and essential for women who have their eye on an executive suite. Developing the appropriate technical, managerial and interpersonal skills can not only lead to advance opportunities, but also prepare you for the challenges that lay ahead.

While not impossible, being promoted to the executive ranks without advanced education can be difficult. To keep yourself competitive, thoroughly investigate what advanced education and training opportunities are available and take advantage of any tuition reimbursement programs offered.

If your company is unable to help with tuition, give thought to returning to school at your own expense. Perhaps your firm will allow you to pursue some of this on company time, such as leaving early on certain days of the week when classes are held. Most senior-level executives have some form of advanced training, which gives them a competitive edge, so consider investing in yourself and your future.

Managing people effectively is also a requirement for advanced leadership. To be most effective, you must shift your thinking away from "doing" toward "directing and delegating." In other words, manage people effectively by letting them do their jobs, while you concentrate on the big picture.

Take Risks

Risk-taking in business requires leaving your comfort zone to speak your mind, searching out and taking advantage of bold new opportunities, and tackling the problems no one else wants to undertake. One of the best ways to do this is to seek a variety of responsibilities or positions within your current organization.

In the corporate world, up is generally the direction of choice for professionals seeking career advancement. But that's not the only type of movement that can benefit you. A lateral move--changing departments, firms or roles within your current work group while maintaining the same level of responsibility--can help broaden your experience and position you for future leadership opportunities.

Network

People like to work with and support people they know, so don't underestimate the power of networking. Increasing your visibility by expanding your contacts, both internally and externally, can play a considerable role in your career advancement. Attend all the trade shows and professional conferences you can. And make it a point to not only join industry and professional organizations but to become an active participant. Let others see firsthand how you manage projects and people.

Find a Mentor

A seasoned mentor can make a difficult journey smoother by helping you navigate around turbulent waters and offering sound advice and counsel. More importantly, a good mentor can trim years off of your efforts to achieve a C-level position. In fact, many senior-level managers, especially women, have attributed some of their greatest career success to having a wise and caring mentor who helped guide the way. If you currently lack access to such a person, find one. Many executives are pleased to be asked for their advice and expertise and are quite willing to extend a helping hand.

Learn How to Manage Yourself.

The typical executive almost always operates in-overload mode. Only those who have discovered how to set priorities and manage their time effectively are able to meet their responsibilities. Make sure to reevaluate priorities on an ongoing basis and recognize when you're taking on more tasks and responsibilities that you can possibly manage. Tools such as project-management software or day-planning notebooks can help. More importantly, you need a commitment to organization and a sense of discipline.

Finally, Stay Put If Prudent

More and more, companies are beginning to grow their own leaders internally, so investigate the advancement opportunities in your current organization. You may find that your best option for moving into the executive ranks resides right where you are. A case in point, Cigna commits $2 million every year to recruiting and grooming executive women within their organization. Not surprisingly, 24 percent of the company's executive level leadership is comprised of women, which is one of the highest percentages for a Fortune 500 company.

Retention of highly-skilled and educated men and women continues to be a challenge for most U.S. companies, a trend that is expected to continue. Many firms today are also recognizing that diversity, particularly within senior management, can dramatically improve a company's organizational performance, strengthen cultural relations and positively impact the bottom line. Savvy businesses know that welcoming more women and minorities to the top of their organizations gives them access to new perspectives and approaches that are critical to long-term success. These things are important to remember as you continue your career journey.

And also remember that while advancing up the corporate ladder can be challenging, you can succeed by allowing your confidence in your skills and abilities embolden you to take action. Exhibiting resolute determination, careful planning, steadfast perseverance, and unwavering excellence can propel you as far as you want to go.

Brandi Britton is the Los Angeles County Regional Vice President of Robert Half International, the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. Find more information at www.rhi.com.