Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their C...
If you work nonstop without a break...worry about offending others and back down too easily...explain too much when asked for information....or "po...
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Dec 03, 2008
Anoud
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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 ha
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Dec 22, 2008
MB
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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.)
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Sep 21, 2009
Wallace
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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
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Nov 01, 2011
Becca
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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 gener More...
But I think that that kind of socialization is largely a gener More...
Jun 30, 2011
Laurie
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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 f 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 f More...
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Oct 13, 2011
Aura
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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 tha 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 tha More...
May 26, 2011
Kressel
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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.
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Feb 14, 2009
Joanna
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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
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Apr 23, 2011
Courtney
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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 r 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 r More...
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Jul 01, 2009
Rachel
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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
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Jan 14, 2011
Kimberly
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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
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Jun 16, 2009
Jessie
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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, especiall
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Jan 16, 2011
Eveline
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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 h
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Nov 06, 2007
Tamara
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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 More...
Frankel starts in chapter one More...
Sep 17, 2007
Stephanie
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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 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 More...
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Sep 30, 2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I'd been told not to read it as a piece of lame anti-feminist literature, and I have to say that's just false.
I think that the author does well saying that a lot of the mistakes she lays out don't apply to everyone, but she steers the reader toward pushing their comfort zone. Many of the pieces of advice I found practical tactical tools for moving up in a modern work environment. Definitely worth reading. I may even buy a hard copy as reference f More...
I think that the author does well saying that a lot of the mistakes she lays out don't apply to everyone, but she steers the reader toward pushing their comfort zone. Many of the pieces of advice I found practical tactical tools for moving up in a modern work environment. Definitely worth reading. I may even buy a hard copy as reference f More...
Sep 01, 2008
Christina
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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 ac
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Jun 01, 2011
Heather
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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 domi More...
I'm not exactly a shrinking violet but I recognized myself in some of her examples. Recommended for women in industries domi More...
Jan 05, 2010
Mary-Michelle
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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.
Dec 26, 2011
Jayelle
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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.
Aug 01, 2009
Ginny
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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 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 More...
Apr 10, 2009
madeline
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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.
Nov 13, 2009
Cesca
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It doesn't matter what industry you're in. Even if you're a stay-at-home mother, this book is worthwhile reading. It provides compelling evidence for and examples of what social science data has long suggested; that our culture socializes women differently than men and in ways that discourage their fulfillment and self-possession. More importantly, this book offers guidance on how to avoid unconscious self-sabotage.
Jan 15, 2009
Cher
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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.
Oct 09, 2009
Joslyn
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One of favorite books EVER. It's not about being a bitch, it's just about not doing things at work that impede your upward motion, especially just because you wanna seem "nice". When you are trying to be "nice", sometimes you are really just seething on the inside and getting played on the outside! Easy to read and provides 101 tips, each only one or two pages long.
Jan 23, 2012
Stephanie
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This book is best suited for women early in their careers who have not yet benefitted from strong female colleagues, bosses, and mentors. Having had all of those already, I did little more than skim this book, using it more to reinforce what I have already seen in the workplace. I did pick up a tip or two to continue to focus on and am glad to have read it.
Dec 03, 2009
Vonetta
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Great book. Life changing. And very, very depressing if you're currently making any (or all) of the mistakes in the book. Seriously, I was in a blue mood for days when I realized that I am partially responsible for sabotaging my career. That said, it is incredibly inspiring; puts some fire under your toosh, so to speak. I've been using the tips and I've already seen a difference in my performance at work and the way that I'm treated. Highly recommended.
Feb 15, 2009
Sharon
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It's amazing how women seem to find ways to make men think less of their accomplishments. Yes, many will read things in this book and laugh. If you try the changes, some will condemn you as a bitch. But it really works. I recommend for any woman, but especially those starting out in the corporate world who want that corner office. Learn young.
Jun 17, 2010
Irene
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Organised with a quiz to identify strengths and weaknesses at the beginning and a long list of specific workplaces behavior errors, this book helps uncover with surgical precision what one might be doing or saying wrong. Not all tips will be helpful for all workplaces or all people, but I found many of the points helpful and dead on for my particular bad habits and corporate setting. Those parts that did not apply for me still gave me food for thought. Highly recommended book for anyone (male or
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Oct 16, 2008
Babette
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Good primer book on women in the office. One lesson that really stood out was "never bring food you made into the office"... being that I'm a foodie this was a difficult one to swallow (no pun intended). But it's true. Are you their mother or their boss? There's a reason why the secretary always picks up the cake...you're the CEO and you probably have a lot more things on your to do list. Doesn't mean you can't be friendly and nice. But you'd never see a man slave 5 hours to bake the o
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