Frequently asked questions
About Glasscliff, our tools, advice, advertising and your data.
Questions and answers
What is Glasscliff.com?
An independent guide for leaders taking on high-stakes roles, and for the boards that appoint them. We explain the glass cliff research, provide free tools to assess and negotiate risky roles, and connect people with experienced advisers.
Is Glasscliff.com affiliated with the researchers who coined the term?
No. 'Glass cliff' is a descriptive academic term coined by Michelle Ryan and Alex Haslam. We cite their work and others' but are not affiliated with them or their universities.
Are the tools free?
Yes. All five tools are free, run in your browser and do not send your answers anywhere unless you choose to submit a form.
What is a confidential role review?
You describe the role you are considering or holding, and we match you with an adviser (an executive coach, employment lawyer or turnaround specialist) who offers an initial conversation. Advisers set their own fees, which they agree with you directly.
How do you make money?
Through advertising (Google AdSense), sponsorships, the Advisor Network, referral fees from advisers, and support from readers. Sponsors never influence our editorial content.
Do you give legal or financial advice?
No. Our content is educational. For decisions about a contract, consult a qualified employment lawyer; for financial decisions, a qualified adviser.
Can I write for Glasscliff.com?
Yes. See our Careers page for contributing editor roles, or enter the Edge Prize to have your work published.
How do I correct something on the site?
Use the contact form and choose 'Correction'. We review every correction request and update pages with a note where appropriate.
How is my data used?
Only to respond to you. Form submissions are delivered to our team by email and are not sold. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Can I sponsor a tool, guide or prize?
Yes. See Advertise and Sponsor for packages. Sponsored placements are always labelled.
About the glass cliff itself
Who coined the term glass cliff?
Michelle K. Ryan and S. Alexander Haslam, psychologists then at the University of Exeter, in a 2005 study published in the British Journal of Management.
Is the glass cliff real?
The best evidence says yes, but it is context-dependent. A 2020 meta-analysis found a small effect in real-world appointments that varied by sector, and clearer effects in experiments. Some studies of US companies have found no effect.
Does the glass cliff only apply to women?
No. Research has extended it to racial and ethnic minority leaders, and the same logic can apply to anyone who is atypical for a role.
What is the difference between the glass ceiling and the glass cliff?
The glass ceiling stops people from reaching the top. The glass cliff describes the riskier positions some of them are offered once they do.
Still have a question? Contact us.