It’s not a man’s world anymore. Don’t believe it? Check out Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg’s LEAN IN. Sandberg has not only made it up the ladder herself, but she shares her opinions and tips for other women who aspire to succeed.
Sandberg says that women do not bring their full potential and energy to the workplace. Lively and engaging, Sandberg explains her “sort of feminist manifesto,” saying the Feminist Revolution has “stalled” partly because women ping-pong their priorities between personal and professional ambitions.
Women “pull back” from their professional and personal goals, Sandberg says, remaining polite and obedient while more aggressive, assertive men rise past them on the corporate ladder. She backs up her points with clear evidence and hard data: women are still paid almost 25% less for the same work and they occupy only one in five CEO positions among Fortune 500 companies.
Sandberg makes numerous pertinent points about how to “lean in,” including:
- Women shouldn’t “leave before they leave”
- Too many women, even ambitious women, forego career advancement long before they’re ready to take time off to start a family.
- The path to success isn’t a ladder but a “jungle gym”
Sandberg discusses taking positions with companies in newer but growing fields rather than established, respected companies.
In May of 2014, Sandberg released a slightly revised and updated version of the original title, tailored for recent graduates. She added a new introduction that encourages female grads to embrace leadership and change. She maintains her encouraging tone and compelling calls to action. Good advice for first timers and old-timers alike.
Review by Michael Kabel
