Introduction: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
by Sheryl Sandberg, a Book Review
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
It may appear that I am late to the race in reviewing Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg, but I’m not. I tend not to like a lot of hype surrounding books and I usually shy away from them, but I helped to plan an event for 85 Broads Toronto, and I asked Leah Eichler, the guest speaker, to speak a bit on leaning in since she follows women in the workplace in her weekly newsletter, Femme-O-Nomics. Since I asked Eichler to speak on the topic of leaning in, I thought it prudent to read the book. The event came and went, and I read Lean In after.
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg is very well researched and she uses herself as well as other very senior level women as examples to demonstrate the points that she is addressing in her book. Unlike many who have read Lean In, I am very familiar with a lot of the statistics that Sandberg cites because when I first started my business in 1995, a group of us were diversity consultants, so she is correct in saying that many things have not changed in terms of women having a seat at the table and so on.
What is Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg About?
The book was most helpful to me in reminding me that I have to be consistent and don’t wait to be asked. As an introvert, this is hard for me, but I am getting better at asking for what I need and ensuring that my needs are met. Sheryl Sandberg has had more opportunities in her life than most of us, but if we stopped to think, can we say that we have fully exploited all the opportunities that were presented to us?
If I am honest, I have to say “No” because I often questioned the timing of the opportunities, and other times I believed that I wasn’t qualified enough. A few years ago when I interviewed Gail Blanke who has been on the Oprah Show, she indicated that she wished that she had been bolder. One of the things being said in Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg is that as women we need to lean in and be much bolder.
One of the things in the book that struck me is that no one can have it all, which I agree with. In Gail Blanke’s interview, she told me, “I have a very close family, and I constantly ask myself what am I committed to at this particular moment? At one instant, it might be attending a hockey game, and at another it’s working on a presentation. There were times when I opted out of a business trip because, in the end, my family always came first.” In Lean In, Sandberg cites many instances where working mothers feel guilty because they cannot spend more time with their kids.
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg is not for everyone, and some of the criticisms have been overly harsh. Here are some ideas and statistics that I’d like to share with you.
Ideas from Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- As of 2010, the average American has 11 jobs from ages 18 to 46.
- Have a long-term dream, but an 18-month plan.
- When looking for a job, ask yourself these questions: Which jobs have more potential for growth, where is their high demand for my skills? Is there potential for growth in the organizations that I am targeting? And prioritize the potential for fast growth and the mission of the company over job title.
- Focus on results and impact because they make you a more valuable employee.
- There is always room for improvement so learn continuously.
- Why should you judge employees by face time? Results are better indicators.
Sandberg paid homage to women who paved the way for others who came after them: Alice Paul, Bella Abzug, Flo Kennedy, Susan B. Anthony (The Invisible Mentor profile) and Jane Addams (The Invisible Mentor profile). I would also like to add Harriet Beecher Stowe (The Invisible Mentor profile) and Emmeline Pankhurst (The Invisible Mentor profile) to Sandberg’s list.
Final Thoughts: Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
If you are looking for a book that outlines how to succeed, then Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
by Sheryl Sandberg is not the book for you. If you are interested in the experiences of senior level women in the workplace, then there are many nuggets you can glean from the book.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to LeadWho Was Susan B. Anthony?Susan B. Anthony Rebel, Crusader, HumanitarianJane Addams: Spirit in ActionThe House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane AddamsUncle Tom's CabinHarriet Beecher Stowe: A Biography by Noel Bertram Gerson (1976-06-01)My Own StoryBella Abzug: Women of WisdomColor Me FloA Woman's CrusadeAlice Paul and the Fight for Women's Rights
