This quiz will help you identify whether you’ve been appointed to a high-risk leadership role where the odds of success are stacked against you—a phenomenon known as the Glass Cliff.
Research shows women and Global Majority leaders (Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Global South professionals) are disproportionately placed in these precarious positions during times of crisis or organizational decline.
By answering 12 questions, you’ll get:
A score assessing your glass cliff risk (low/moderate/high).
Tailored strategies to protect your leadership and career.
Research-backed insights to navigate unfair challenges.*
Time: 5–7 minutes | All answers are confidential.
📝 Key Definitions
Glass Cliff
A phenomenon where women and Global Majority leaders are appointed to high-stakes leadership roles during times of crisis, decline, or instability—when the risk of failure is highest. If the organization fails, the leader often takes the blame, regardless of systemic issues or inadequate support.
Global Majority
People who are Black, Brown, Indigenous, or from the Global South (Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Pacific Islands, etc.), who together represent ~85% of the world’s population. The term replaces "minority" or "person of color" to reflect demographic reality and shift away from deficit-based language.
No-Win Scenario
A situation where any choice leads to criticism or failure, often due to conflicting expectations. Common in glass cliff situations where leaders are set up to fail.
Scapegoating
Blaming an individual for systemic or organizational failures. Leaders on glass cliffs are often scapegoated when things go wrong—even if they weren’t responsible for the underlying issues.