# The hidden cost for women of being 'easy' to work with The labor that keeps teams running rarely counts toward promotion. - **Source:** [Fast Company](https://www.fastcompany.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-22 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1e91bd54-028f-4739-b501-42f432fd9732 ## The dilemma of women leaders Women leaders are often rewarded for being helpful and easy to work with. However, the labor that keeps teams running rarely counts toward promotion. Heather, a senior leader at her firm, was one step away from the C-suite. But the strong personalities in the C-suite hindered her advancement. ## The path to promotion Promotion processes often prioritize visible achievements and project leadership. However, supportive roles and collaboration within teams are rarely evaluated in this process. This situation creates a barrier, especially for women leaders. ## Dynamics in the C-suite Strong personalities in the C-suite often have a more aggressive and competitive nature. In this environment, helpful and collaborative leaders struggle to express themselves. Heather lost her chance for promotion due to these dynamics. ## The labor of women leaders Women leaders put in significant effort to keep teams running smoothly. However, this labor often remains invisible and is not evaluated in promotion processes. This hinders women's career advancement. ## Promotion criteria Promotion criteria are usually focused on leadership and success. However, supportive roles and collaboration within teams are rarely included in these criteria. This creates a disadvantage for women leaders. ## Barriers in the C-suite Strong personalities in the C-suite often have a more aggressive and competitive nature. In this environment, helpful and collaborative leaders struggle to express themselves. Heather lost her chance for promotion due to these dynamics. ## The future of women leaders Women leaders need to achieve more visible successes to advance in their careers. However, supportive roles and collaboration within teams are not evaluated in this process. This hinders women's career advancement. ## Proposed solutions Promotion processes should evaluate supportive roles and collaboration within teams. This could help women leaders advance in their careers. Additionally, more inclusive dynamics in the C-suite could create opportunities for women leaders. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.fastcompany.com/91593078/the-hidden-cost-for-women-of-being-easy-to-work-with — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._