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13th out of 48 books
—
63 voters
Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers
If you work nonstop without a break...worry about offending others and back down too easily...explain too much when asked for information....or "poll" your friends and colleagues before making a decision, chances are you have been bypassed for promotions and ignored when you expressed your ideas. Although you may not be aware of it, girlish behaviors such as these are sabo...more
Paperback, 288 pages
Published
June 7th 2010
by Business Plus
(first published February 11th 2004)
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This is the first book I read from the bibliography of Anne Kreamer's It's Always Personal, and I found it much more skills-based and practical. The author's main theme is, "Quit being a girl," by which she means to toot your own horn and stand up for yourself because high quality work alone won't get you noticed and promoted. The corporate world is prejudiced against girls and can't envision them beyond the secretarial pool. Women, in contrast, get ahead with the right efforts.
The first chapter...more
The first chapter...more
Starting from the naïve socialization until sex discrimination, most women are way too far from achieving satisfactory successful career life. Lois Frankel addresses in this amazing book, Nice Girls Don't Get The Corner Office, 101 unconscious mistakes working women do that sabotage their careers. All of these mistakes are results of being socialized with stereotypical norms and roles. Lois's main argument is that women themselves are the ones who carry out the whole responsibility. If they hap...more
Easy to read and some quite useful tips.
(It would be nice if someday, we, as a society, ever get to a time when men aren't advantaged in business by their sex and women didn't have to make themselves over just to get ahead.)
(It would be nice if someday, we, as a society, ever get to a time when men aren't advantaged in business by their sex and women didn't have to make themselves over just to get ahead.)
I just finished reading this book in an effort to teach myself how to stop doing all of those little things that sabotage the advancement of my career. I'm not currently looking for a new job (even though I should be) but I'd still like to work on improving my skills and stop downplaying my abilities.
Things I already know: I act nice to get people on my side, meanwhile, forgetting about my own needs because I want everyone to like me. I also say "I'm sorry" a lot and don't know how to toot my ow...more
Things I already know: I act nice to get people on my side, meanwhile, forgetting about my own needs because I want everyone to like me. I also say "I'm sorry" a lot and don't know how to toot my ow...more
Reading "Nice Girls" back in 2004 was a bit of a shock to me - an unpleasant one. So many of the negative behaviors Lois Frankel describes were things I did in the office on a regular basis. These behaviors were so ingrained in me: don't be too aggressive, apologize profusely for any misdeed, be grateful for any crumb tossed my way, and I sat with my foot folded under me ALL the time. I do agree with Frankel that it's difficult for women to get ahead by always being a "nice girl." Her book struc...more
Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office 101 by Lois P. Frankel is a book that all women should receive upon graduation from college. It is amazing what we, the female gender, do to undermine ourselves without realizing it. Many of us, who come from homes that were supportive and definitely didn't pigeonhold us into the subservient female role, would never imagine how much we have picked up from the social cues and trends around us. Though, until recently, I would have not realized that I suffered...more
This was interesting, but I kind of felt like it didn't apply to me. The premise is that women are socialized as children in certain ways that reward us when we are young - little girls shouldn't talk back, boys don't like smart girls, sugar and spice, etc. etc. I can see that that is a valid concern for many women who find themselves in corporate situations where being a docile and demure lady doesn't come with any payoff.
But I think that that kind of socialization is largely a generational th...more
But I think that that kind of socialization is largely a generational th...more
This book had some useful advice, although I think it was over-generalized and really meant for women working at large "corporate America" type companies. As a female who just recently started a career at a small (but very successful) family-owned business, I don't feel like all of these rules necessarily apply to my situation.
But I had larger issues with this book.
First, I found that the author seems to use men's behavior as the standard for how the workplace should function. She frequently s...more
But I had larger issues with this book.
First, I found that the author seems to use men's behavior as the standard for how the workplace should function. She frequently s...more
Oct 01, 2011
Aura
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
personal-collection,
career-advice
Written by top career coach L.P.Frankel, ‘101 mistakes’ aims to guide women away from the ‘act like a girl’ stereotypes taught to them as young ladies, which according to the author they carry onto womanhood.
The book begins with a self-assessment questionnaire to help you identify what your strengths and weakness are, so you can concentrate more on your weakness. Each section includes a case study and bullet pointed summaries to help you deal with each problem.
I liked that Frankel kept everythin...more
The book begins with a self-assessment questionnaire to help you identify what your strengths and weakness are, so you can concentrate more on your weakness. Each section includes a case study and bullet pointed summaries to help you deal with each problem.
I liked that Frankel kept everythin...more
As cliched as it sounds, this book was a revelation to me. As a young feminist who is just starting out in her career, I was relatively certain that the professional world would have changed since Frankel wrote her book and that acting in a professional (yet reserved) fashion would be sufficient in today's workplace. Clearly, I was mistaken (although not as much as I thought).
Frankel first has the reader take a 49 question quiz, which is able to determine which of the eight areas are both your s...more
Frankel first has the reader take a 49 question quiz, which is able to determine which of the eight areas are both your s...more
Another book with a tacky title that I have bypassed every time I've seen it. But browsing in the library one day I decided to give it a try and I'm glad I did. I always knew that I was a typical girl in finding it difficult to negotiate money, but I thought that was it. After reading through this book (which doesn't take long as you can easily skip over irrelevant sections), I have realized that I actually am making a bunch of 'mistakes' at work that are not benefiting my career. This book help...more
This was a quick read with great information for business-minded women (or those just trying to keep it "appropriate" in a work setting, like me). The chapters each consisted of a piece of advice with an explanation. Some of the advice is obvious, but there were definitely "mistakes" in this book that I am either guilty of or wouldn't have thought about. While I found this book informative, truthfully, I still continue to make many of the mistakes expounded upon because I have a hard time not be...more
All women should be forced to read this book. Traits that are inherent to us as women, when allowed to drive the way we function at work, allow others to walk all over us while we ask for more and thank them for doing it.
Even if you think you're a strong, independent woman (which I like to believe I am), this book will point out important things that you do at the office that help keep your pay at less that of your male counterparts and help you get looked over every time there's a round of pro...more
Even if you think you're a strong, independent woman (which I like to believe I am), this book will point out important things that you do at the office that help keep your pay at less that of your male counterparts and help you get looked over every time there's a round of pro...more
Lois Frankel details the range of psychological issues that limit women's success in the workplace. Among them are difficulties negotiating, self-promoting and speaking assertively. Her work was very helpful as I wrote my new book, The Curse of the Good Girl, where I argue that these adult professional issues can be seen as early as middle school in girls. It's great that books like Frankel's exist, but I believe we can help girls with some of these real world skills early. That's part of my lif...more
I picked up this book because I'm a partner in a small company where I am the only female, and I am always interested in ways to develop and exercise my leadership skills. I grew up helping my father run his business, and throughout university took part in business competitions and start-ups comprised of only"alpha male" types, and often I was the only female. I learned early on that there are ways that women have to act in order to be taken seriously, which as the author describes, does not alw...more
No matter what hand life deals us, we are ultimately left with the dilemma of how we choose to respond. That is where our control lies. It doesnt lie in the hand that's already been dealt. it doesn't lie in trying to change others - thats an illusion. It lies in the actions we choose to take in response to our situation. And when it comes to being women in the workplace, we can choose to behave in ways consistent with what others want and expect or we can choose another course - empowerment.
pxvi...more
pxvi...more
This book takes on the mistakes women make in the office from being socialized as girls. I found it extremely helpful, as a lot of the mistakes Frankel says we make are things i do a lot:). Frankel takes on the way we tilt our head and smile when delivering a serious message to the way we sit (sitting on your foot, or with your hands in your lap instead of on the table), to the way we put others needs before our own. These things can make us seem less "powerful" or capable, especially when compa...more
This was one of many extremely random books that I've had sitting around in boxes forever from my old job at a publishing company. I finally read it during a plane flight recently & it actually turned out to be really fun to read. I agreed with a lot of Frankel's advice. Then again, at least according to the quiz in the book one of my strengths is "playing the game," or thinking strategically about things, so if that's true then of course I'd naturally be into a book that talks about how to...more
I was about to pass this book up because the title didn't catch my attention. As I looked at the back cover,I thought to myself, "I do plenty of things to further my career, I don't need to look at this book!" Now that I've finished reading the book, I am so glad I gave this book a chance.It helped me to see how women, myself included, act in certain ways which ultimately prevents us from furthering their career or obtaining their career goals.
Frankel starts in chapter one by noting that althou...more
Frankel starts in chapter one by noting that althou...more
Some great tips for women about how to stop undermining their success with subtle/subconscious habits (think smiling too much, talking too softly, tolerating innappropriate comments, letting other take credit for ideas, tilting head when talking, and lack of professional networking).
A lot of the advice in the book seemed obvious to me (I wouldn't let someone present something as "their idea" when I had obviously brought it up in the past) but there was some good advice to be gleaned from this b...more
A lot of the advice in the book seemed obvious to me (I wouldn't let someone present something as "their idea" when I had obviously brought it up in the past) but there was some good advice to be gleaned from this b...more
I appreciate the advice given in this book. There are many little personality quirks that I know myself are guilty of that impedes my career progression. Several quotes that have left an impression upon me, "Cuddly or sweet tall or tan girls don't ask for much. . . They're nice to be around and they're nice to have around soft of like pets." "As nurturers, supporters, or helpmates we are more invested in seeing others get their needs met then we are in ensuring that ours are acknowledged. When o...more
It was OK. Really a reference book with an evalutation test in the beginning to help you find areas of focus. The good part of the book is that you can flip right to the area of interest. Easy to read, and pretty good advice on helping readers be as professional and self-promoting as possible, avoiding pitfalls and standing up for yourself. I noted there was hardly any mention of cultural differences - perhaps there will be an updated version forthcoming.
Self-help books aren't really my thing and the tone in this book is often condescending, like she's talking to people who are emotionally adolescents. That said, some of her points are great and no matter how much education in women's studies you or I or anyone has, the socialization we received as girls continues to cripple us in adult life. It's inescapable.
I'm not exactly a shrinking violet but I recognized myself in some of her examples. Recommended for women in industries dominated by men a...more
I'm not exactly a shrinking violet but I recognized myself in some of her examples. Recommended for women in industries dominated by men a...more
I think some of the advice was useful but intended for an audience older than I am. Why is it that money advice books always seem to be for women who already have money to invest, a house and a better paying job. I know that many of the tips can be extrapolated to my circumstances but I can't help but get a little anxious when the example is "let's say you make 45,000 a year and you can only save $400 a month" when I am struggling to consistently put away less than half that.
As a recovering "nice girl" I've already honed in on most of the things I've done wrong when handling business transactions. Protecting jerks, minimizing your work/value and exhibiting too much patience are just a few. Even though I no longer work in the corporate atmosphere, this book helps me handle my business and personal life more efficiently as a SMART WOMAN not a nice girl. Thanks Dr. Frankel for this jewel.
I haven't read the whole thing yet. I've been concentrating on my weakest points and going from there. Like any other self-help book, it should not be a fast read. You need time to absorb and practice before you can move on and really concentrate on other aspect of yourself. Frankel tells the reader not to try to change everything at once, and that is good advice.
The chapters are set up nicely with 1-2 pages dedicated to a problem and several steps to help you change. It is straight to the point...more
The chapters are set up nicely with 1-2 pages dedicated to a problem and several steps to help you change. It is straight to the point...more
I believe the major contribution of this book remains in helping woman realise (it identifies and explains why) the many errors and constrains they are naturally more prone to. Many times, they root into their education as a child (conveyed by parents and society), culminating in (nocive) repercussions in their professional lives. The author also constrast the tipical reactions of both women and men when facing the same problem, explaining why the lattest tend to have better results.
As for the s...more
As for the s...more
I actually liked this more than I thought. I was afraid the message was going to be "act like the guys" but really it is more "act like a grown woman." There are certainly cases here of "know your office" in taking some of these suggestions, but there are some pieces here that can be taken individually even if you don't take the whole thing (which the author explicitly doesn't want you to do).
I have some confused feelings regarding this book, mostly involving Margaret Thatcher's handbag. That said, I did find it helpful, even revelatory. And I'd never have got here without the recommendation (thanks Jo!) so here you go: I really recommend that you read this, because putting aside all the gender coding, it's got some helpful things to say about the way we communicate in cubicles.
I found this book to have some great suggestions and some not-so-great suggestions. As an analyst and project manager for over thirteen years, some of the tips the author gave could, in my opinion, leave you looking like a piranha as opposed to a leader. I do recommend reading it, but take the stuff you find useful and tuck it under your sleeve -- the rest, you can chuck.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMU SWE Book Club: Fall 2012: Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office | 3 | 7 | Nov 14, 2012 10:42am |
Dr. Lois Frankel, President of Corporate Coaching International, a Pasadena, California consulting firm, literally wrote the book on coaching people to succeed in businesses large and small around the globe. Her books Nice Girls Don’t Get The Corner Office and Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich are international bestsellers translated into over twenty-five languages worldwide. Stop Sabotaging Your Career,...more
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