Advice: 9 Rules Women Must Follow to Get Ahead

Despite many examples of females in the top ranks of power, "women held just 14.1% of executive officer positions in 2011 in Fortune 500 companies," writes FINS reporter Julia Steinberg, and "women held 16.1% of [board] seats."

Why are the numbers so low? Despite their talent, education and hard work, many women simply aren't chosen for roles that lead to greater success later. Women often don't have the "intangible skills" needed to gain the attention of higher-ups at the company, says Elena Rand Kaspi, a former consultant to law firm White & Case and the president of LawScope Coaching, an executive career coaching company.

Getting "chosen," then, is an art that many women need to learn. FINS spoke with women executives and leadership coaches to determine the best ways you can position yourself for the next great position.

Steinberg lists the 9 rules women must follow to "help them earn more management roles in the workplace:"

1. Work hard — producing outstanding results attracts that all-important positive attention needed to get ahead.
2. Do work no one else wants to do — step up when others won't.
3. Cultivate people in charge — share wisely; understand the difference between a 'mentor' (someone with whom you confide the good, bad and ugly) and a 'sponsor' (someone with whom you confide only the good about yourself).
4. Know what you want and go for it — being clear about your goals is paramount.
5. Promote yourself legitimately — let senior management know how you contribute and volunteer for assignments that offer visibility.
6. Network with peers — don't make the mistake of cultivating sponsorship from people above you only.
7. Make your own career — understand the strategic direction of your company and if the position you want doesn't exist, seek to create it.
8. Leave to get ahead — sometimes you can fast-track a career by walking out the door to take a different position or path to the top.
9. Dress well and play golf — "Dress for success" still works, as does developing hobbies that forge relationships. Golf is still a sport where deals are made.