How to Overcome Five Impossible Workplace Hurdles

By Julie Steinberg

Every organization has a set of unwritten rules. Which executives to butter up, how late to stay at night, or whether it's OK hit on your co-workers. While such quandaries apply to men and women equally, there a few situations women face that underscore their "otherness."

These rules differ from institution to institution, said Laura Sabattini, director of research at Catalyst, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for women in business. Mentors and sponsors help with these issues, but suppose you haven't established that rapport yet?