For many professional women, the traditional view of success—promotion to the next title, department, or pay grade—can feel increasingly narrow. Flat organizational structures, delayed promotions, and shifting workforce dynamics often limit the availability of formal advancement. But growth hasn’t stopped—it’s just been redefined.
Today, building influence across functions can be just as powerful as moving up the chain. In fact, according to the 2023 Gartner Career Pathing Survey, 74% of high-potential employees reported lateral influence-building as their most meaningful growth experience.
Rethinking What Progress Looks Like
Leadership potential is no longer measured only by direct reports or org chart position. It’s about:
• Your ability to shape decisions
• Your role in cross-functional initiatives
• Your reputation as a problem-solver and connector
The Red Shoe Movement has long championed this kind of influence as essential to women’s leadership—especially in companies where career lattices are replacing ladders.
The Hidden Power of Cross-Functional Influence
When you build influence across departments, regions, or teams—even without changing your job title—you gain:
• Access to broader decision-making circles
• Greater visibility among senior leaders
• A stronger case for future promotion or mobility
• Resilience in the face of layoffs or reorgs
McKinsey’s 2023 Women in the Workplace report confirmed that women who participate in strategic projects outside their core function are more likely to be seen as ready for executive roles.
Ways to Grow Without a Formal Promotion
Lead a Cross-Functional Initiative
Raise your hand to coordinate a project that touches multiple teams—marketing and ops, HR and marketing, sales and product. Offer to be the liaison. These stretch assignments showcase your leadership and widen your internal network.
Become a Go-To Resource
Ask yourself: “What problems do people consistently come to me to solve?” Whether it’s onboarding, data analysis, or conflict resolution, double down on that strength. Build internal resources (guides, templates, lunch-and-learns) and become the person others associate with reliability and expertise. This strategy will help you build status which is the first step to get more power.
Practice Mutual Mentoring Cross-Functionally
Participate in a mutual mentoring with people outside your department. This not only boosts visibility but gives you a pulse on broader company strategies. The Red Shoe Movement’s mutual mentoring methodology is based on precisely this dynamic: influence flows in all directions.
Speak Up in Meetings with Strategic Contributions
Start by preparing: What cross-team pain points do you understand deeply? What insights can you share that bring context or unlock action? Focus less on “airtime” and more on “value time.” According to a Harvard Business Review study on meeting dynamics, those who contribute strategic insights—even briefly—are remembered as influential long after the meeting ends.
Join Task Forces or ERGs
Employee Resource Groups and innovation labs often offer a platform to gain visibility and impact beyond your title. Use this space to build relationships with senior sponsors and champion changes that matter to you.
Offer to Onboard New Hires or Interns
This gives you visibility with new stakeholders and the chance to practice informal leadership. Plus, research from MIT Sloan Management Review shows that women who serve as cultural ambassadors within their company are more likely to be promoted—because they’re already demonstrating leadership.
Redefine Career Advancement
What to Watch Out For
Don’t Confuse Influence with Overcommitment
It’s easy to become the person who “does everything” without recognition or advancement. Track your contributions and communicate them during performance reviews. Visibility must be managed just like workload.
Beware of Staying Invisible
Many women hesitate to advocate for their own cross-functional wins. Create a one-page impact summary you can share with your manager or sponsor to help them advocate for your growth.
Avoid Tunnel Vision
Focus on growing across as well as within your role. Even if your current path seems blocked, influence-building keeps your momentum and expands your options.
Tactical Steps to Expand Your Influence
Set a quarterly goal to connect with someone from a different function
• Volunteer to present project outcomes in all-hands meetings
• Build a “relationship map” of your organization—who are the key players, and how often are you in contact with them?
• Offer a monthly insights newsletter or dashboard relevant to multiple departments
• Ask your manager: “Where do you see an opportunity for me to contribute beyond my current role?”
Keep in Mind
You don’t have to wait for a promotion to grow.
By shifting your mindset from “How do I move up?” to “How do I add value across the organization?”, you unlock a new path to growth, purpose, and recognition. Titles will follow—but your influence can start today.
And if you’re ready to build your power skills and your self- confidence, join our Step Up Women year-long leadership program today. If you’d like a one-on-one with Mariela Dabbah, connect with her here.
