If your company has a board of directors, how many of these seats are held by women? Be honest. How many executive or senior level positions are held by women? Most likely, there are quite a few more in that second category.

Over the past couple of decades, many women have earned their way into critical senior level roles in organizations, but when it comes to earning a place in the boardroom, it’s a different story.

Promotional Consultant Today shares key statistics from a recent study as well as tips for women who want to be boardroom-ready.

Deloitte recently conducted a global study of nearly 6,000 companies in 40 different countries—which included more than 66,000 director-level roles. What they discovered was that the representation of women on corporate boards is growing, but the number of women in leading these boards remains low. Overall, women now hold 12 percent of seats worldwide but only four percent are serving as the chair of those boards.

Where do you see the strongest presence of women in business? Believe it or not, Norway leads with the most board seats held by women at a rate of 36.5 percent. Italy leads with the highest percent of board chairs held by women at 22.2 percent.

Where does the United States rank? It’s not in the top five. In fact, only 12.2 percent of American women surveyed held board seats, and within that population, only 3.4 percent held the position of board chair.

On many boards there is only one woman serving, which leaves her with the burden of representing the entire demographic. A Harvard Business Review article suggested that it takes at least three women in the group to be viewed as equal to the other board members, not as “female directors.”

So how can we move the dial towards equal parity in the boardroom? Milwaukee Women, Inc., a group of professional women determined to change the face and quality of leadership in the Wisconsin business community, recommended these tips for women who want to achieve boardroom readiness:

  1. Develop a strategic plan to take you there.
  2. Develop a reputation for excellence and show leadership in your main job and industry.
  3. Educate yourself on board responsibilities and learn what it is like to be on a board.
  4. Assess your skill set. What can you bring to the table? Fill in any gaps you are lacking with the necessary skills.
  5. Bring your “A” game to whatever you do because people are watching you. Dress well, be prepared and show up for every meeting. Do not use your cell phone under the table; people always notice.
  6. Build your profile and your personal brand, and have a board resume.
  7. Tell people you know and respect, especially sitting directors or those who interact with directors, that you are seeking a board seat. Identify and meet all women directors in your city or region, because women directors often make it their mission to get other women on boards.
  8. Work to get on a government commission or committee, whether local, county, state or national.
  9. Seek out acquaintances who own their own companies, and volunteer to start or serve on their advisory boards.
  10. Get to know recruiters at search firms.

Source: Cassandra Johnson is a tech-savvy marketing communications consultant and freelance writer. She reports on the latest trends in the promotional products industry, public relations, direct marketing, e-marketing and more. She supports clients in a variety of industries, including promotional products, hospitality, financial services and technology.