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Her Place at the Table: A Woman's Guide to Negotiating Five Key Challenges to Leadership Success
Advice for women from women for negotiating their own leadership careers This is a practical guide for any woman dealing with a demanding role. Drawing on extensive interviews with women leaders, the authors isolate five key Intelligence; Backing; Resources; Buy-In; and Making a Difference. The three expert authors reveal what women have to teach us about the challenges and opportunities of leadership. As Tom Peters said of this book, "Women roar . . . . will help individual women negotiate what they need to success as leaders and help their firms support them in their efforts. That way we all win!" The book includes interviews with high-profile women leaders including Ann Moore (CEO of Time Inc.), Ann Mulcahy (CEO of Xerox), and Harvard's Rosabeth Moss Kanter.
290 pages, Hardcover
First published August 13, 2004
34 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 29, 2018
I read this book because it is part of the United Methodist Reading Challenge Program. Did I “enjoy” it? Not really. Did I learn from it? A little.
Because I am an older woman, who worked outside of my home but now retired, a great of what was written I had experienced. It was interesting to see these experiences put into words as to what, especially women, need to do to succeed in the business world. While it is true that I have retired from my chosen career, I still head and lead others in a volunteer capacity, and can apply a few of the suggestions in this book to my current situation.
Because I am an older woman, who worked outside of my home but now retired, a great of what was written I had experienced. It was interesting to see these experiences put into words as to what, especially women, need to do to succeed in the business world. While it is true that I have retired from my chosen career, I still head and lead others in a volunteer capacity, and can apply a few of the suggestions in this book to my current situation.
August 10, 2022
I appreciate this book as it’s written by women for women, to build a community and support each other, which is great… haven’t found too many of these. I can’t say I have learned lots from it, pretty much just stating the obvious, so 3 stars, but what’s really good at is getting you to reflect on things, and to question everything.
July 18, 2014
Her Place at the Table provides 5 key suggestions for women navigating leadership roles in the workplace. The most helpful part of this book comes from the real life examples of how women put these guidelines into place in their own leadership transitions. Their experiences allow the reader to understand the benefits and challenges of heeding the book's advice.
The book is also helpful in that it provides avenues for women to lead out of their strengths, rather than by trying to fit a mold previously set by male counterparts.
Even with the attention on women, I believe that this book can transcend gender boundaries in many ways, providing helpful feedback for anyone navigating the leadership landscape.
The book is also helpful in that it provides avenues for women to lead out of their strengths, rather than by trying to fit a mold previously set by male counterparts.
Even with the attention on women, I believe that this book can transcend gender boundaries in many ways, providing helpful feedback for anyone navigating the leadership landscape.
February 2, 2014
An incredible book!
Compared to Lean In - which acted a voice for women that kicked off the modern movement - Her Place at the Table was the play book that detailed how to become a successful leader at work. Some reviews said there were too many examples; I found them all relevant and helpful to illustrate solutions to challenges. The examples made it less theoretical and more realistic and tactical. (< Another big difference from Lean In.)
I'll be reading this before I start any job again. Great for anyone (male or female) who is at a stage where they're on track to be a leader within an organization.
Compared to Lean In - which acted a voice for women that kicked off the modern movement - Her Place at the Table was the play book that detailed how to become a successful leader at work. Some reviews said there were too many examples; I found them all relevant and helpful to illustrate solutions to challenges. The examples made it less theoretical and more realistic and tactical. (< Another big difference from Lean In.)
I'll be reading this before I start any job again. Great for anyone (male or female) who is at a stage where they're on track to be a leader within an organization.
Read
April 6, 2025Book Review: Her Place at the Table: A Woman’s Guide to Negotiating Five Key Challenges to Leadership Success
Authors: Deborah M. Kolb, Judith Williams, and Carol Frohlinger
Publisher: Jossey-Bass
Publication Date: 2019
ISBN: 978-1119530682
Introduction
Her Place at the Table: A Woman’s Guide to Negotiating Five Key Challenges to Leadership Success is a crucial resource for women seeking to navigate the complexities of leadership and negotiation in professional environments. Authored by Deborah M. Kolb, Judith Williams, and Carol Frohlinger, the book addresses the unique challenges women face as they pursue leadership roles and offers practical strategies to overcome these obstacles. Grounded in research, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice, this book stands as a significant contribution to the discourse on gender and leadership.
Content Overview
The authors identify five core challenges that women encounter in leadership positions and provide tailored strategies for negotiating these hurdles effectively:
Creating Your Place: The book emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear professional identity and claiming a visible role within organizational frameworks. The authors encourage women to advocate for themselves and to articulate their value in ways that resonate within their professional context.
Building Networks: Kolb, Williams, and Frohlinger highlight the necessity of cultivating networks, both formal and informal. They provide insights on how women can leverage these connections to gain support, mentorship, and visibility in their fields.
Navigating Gender Dynamics: The authors explore the subtle and overt gender biases that often permeate workplace interactions. They offer strategies for women to navigate these dynamics, using negotiation techniques that empower them to assert their perspectives without alienating colleagues.
Negotiating for Resources: The book addresses the critical aspect of resource negotiation, whether it be salary, project support, or team dynamics. The authors provide practical frameworks and negotiation tactics that women can employ to ensure they secure the resources necessary for their success.
Balancing Work and Life: Recognizing the challenges of achieving work-life balance, the authors discuss negotiation techniques that can help women set boundaries and prioritize their personal and professional commitments effectively.
Thematic Analysis
A key theme in Her Place at the Table is the intersection of gender and leadership. The authors delve into the systemic issues that affect women’s advancement in the workplace, making the case that overcoming these barriers requires not only individual skill but also cultural change within organizations. This perspective aligns with ongoing discussions in gender studies and organizational behavior regarding the need for systemic reform.
Another significant theme is the concept of empowerment through negotiation. The authors frame negotiation as a critical skill for women, equipping them with tools to advocate for themselves confidently. This focus on negotiation merges personal development with practical skills, reflecting contemporary leadership theories that advocate for both self-awareness and strategic action.
Strengths
One of the standout strengths of this book is its practical focus. Kolb, Williams, and Frohlinger provide concrete strategies and examples that women can implement in real-world situations. The actionable advice is complemented by engaging narratives that make the material relatable and inspiring.
Additionally, the authors incorporate extensive research to support their claims, grounding their strategies in evidence-based practices. This combination of research and practical application enhances the book’s credibility and relevance.
Critique
While Her Place at the Table offers valuable insights, it could benefit from a more expansive discussion of intersectionality. Although the book focuses on the challenges faced by women, addressing how race, ethnicity, and socio-economic background intersect with gender would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers to leadership.
Furthermore, the authors might have included more case studies from diverse industries to illustrate the versatility of their strategies across different organizational contexts. This would enhance the applicability of their recommendations for a broader audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Her Place at the Table: A Woman’s Guide to Negotiating Five Key Challenges to Leadership Success is a seminal work that addresses the unique hurdles women face in leadership roles. Through its focus on negotiation, empowerment, and practical strategies, the book serves as an essential resource for women aspiring to navigate the complexities of professional advancement. Recommended for scholars, practitioners, and aspiring leaders alike, this book highlights the importance of self-advocacy and strategic negotiation in achieving leadership success. Through its insightful analysis and practical guidance, Her Place at the Table offers a vital framework for women seeking to establish their place at the leadership table.
Authors: Deborah M. Kolb, Judith Williams, and Carol Frohlinger
Publisher: Jossey-Bass
Publication Date: 2019
ISBN: 978-1119530682
Introduction
Her Place at the Table: A Woman’s Guide to Negotiating Five Key Challenges to Leadership Success is a crucial resource for women seeking to navigate the complexities of leadership and negotiation in professional environments. Authored by Deborah M. Kolb, Judith Williams, and Carol Frohlinger, the book addresses the unique challenges women face as they pursue leadership roles and offers practical strategies to overcome these obstacles. Grounded in research, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice, this book stands as a significant contribution to the discourse on gender and leadership.
Content Overview
The authors identify five core challenges that women encounter in leadership positions and provide tailored strategies for negotiating these hurdles effectively:
Creating Your Place: The book emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear professional identity and claiming a visible role within organizational frameworks. The authors encourage women to advocate for themselves and to articulate their value in ways that resonate within their professional context.
Building Networks: Kolb, Williams, and Frohlinger highlight the necessity of cultivating networks, both formal and informal. They provide insights on how women can leverage these connections to gain support, mentorship, and visibility in their fields.
Navigating Gender Dynamics: The authors explore the subtle and overt gender biases that often permeate workplace interactions. They offer strategies for women to navigate these dynamics, using negotiation techniques that empower them to assert their perspectives without alienating colleagues.
Negotiating for Resources: The book addresses the critical aspect of resource negotiation, whether it be salary, project support, or team dynamics. The authors provide practical frameworks and negotiation tactics that women can employ to ensure they secure the resources necessary for their success.
Balancing Work and Life: Recognizing the challenges of achieving work-life balance, the authors discuss negotiation techniques that can help women set boundaries and prioritize their personal and professional commitments effectively.
Thematic Analysis
A key theme in Her Place at the Table is the intersection of gender and leadership. The authors delve into the systemic issues that affect women’s advancement in the workplace, making the case that overcoming these barriers requires not only individual skill but also cultural change within organizations. This perspective aligns with ongoing discussions in gender studies and organizational behavior regarding the need for systemic reform.
Another significant theme is the concept of empowerment through negotiation. The authors frame negotiation as a critical skill for women, equipping them with tools to advocate for themselves confidently. This focus on negotiation merges personal development with practical skills, reflecting contemporary leadership theories that advocate for both self-awareness and strategic action.
Strengths
One of the standout strengths of this book is its practical focus. Kolb, Williams, and Frohlinger provide concrete strategies and examples that women can implement in real-world situations. The actionable advice is complemented by engaging narratives that make the material relatable and inspiring.
Additionally, the authors incorporate extensive research to support their claims, grounding their strategies in evidence-based practices. This combination of research and practical application enhances the book’s credibility and relevance.
Critique
While Her Place at the Table offers valuable insights, it could benefit from a more expansive discussion of intersectionality. Although the book focuses on the challenges faced by women, addressing how race, ethnicity, and socio-economic background intersect with gender would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers to leadership.
Furthermore, the authors might have included more case studies from diverse industries to illustrate the versatility of their strategies across different organizational contexts. This would enhance the applicability of their recommendations for a broader audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Her Place at the Table: A Woman’s Guide to Negotiating Five Key Challenges to Leadership Success is a seminal work that addresses the unique hurdles women face in leadership roles. Through its focus on negotiation, empowerment, and practical strategies, the book serves as an essential resource for women aspiring to navigate the complexities of professional advancement. Recommended for scholars, practitioners, and aspiring leaders alike, this book highlights the importance of self-advocacy and strategic negotiation in achieving leadership success. Through its insightful analysis and practical guidance, Her Place at the Table offers a vital framework for women seeking to establish their place at the leadership table.
March 24, 2025
There is surely a place for this book and I will not deny that the key points they raise are very relevant, however, I feel those could have been raised in 20 pages max. Everything more was at best a waste of time.
Undermining your claims with examples is what we are thaught in school and if examples are picked wisely it is indeed quite helpful. With this Book I cannot say that this is the case. Most of the interviewees were anonymized to the extent that whatever they had to say was quite useless. I believe that taking their key points and using concrete examples would have made a good book.
Undermining your claims with examples is what we are thaught in school and if examples are picked wisely it is indeed quite helpful. With this Book I cannot say that this is the case. Most of the interviewees were anonymized to the extent that whatever they had to say was quite useless. I believe that taking their key points and using concrete examples would have made a good book.
April 7, 2018
More academic than I was expecting. Kind of a slog.
November 24, 2019
Perfect book for women leaders
I like this book because it provides techniques to use that really do help get your seat at the table. They worked for me and still working!
I like this book because it provides techniques to use that really do help get your seat at the table. They worked for me and still working!
September 6, 2008
My great friend Sonja sent this book to me after hearing about my problems at my new job. Of course it is the perfect book, because Sonja knows books like nobody else! I have it on my bedside table and have been reading different parts of it.
October 14, 2013
Leadership positions are becoming fewer and fewer. However, there is good advice you can use in unofficial leadership position and life in general. I would see this book being used in leadership seminars or college course.
January 31, 2015
This book discusses many of the same issues raised in Lean In but with concrete actions one can take to overcome them. I read this for a leadership series I'm participating in but will most certainly return to it when I need to negotiate at the start of a new job or assignment.
December 27, 2015
I rarely don't finish a book but I couldn't keep going with this one. The authors tried to include lots of examples of 'real' people but they were deathly boring and didn't add colour to the points that were being made.
Want to read
March 10, 2011Rec'd by Dr. Isis
February 1, 2015
Somewhat stilted and dry, but the examples based on real people made it more readable.
Read
September 1, 2013Not just for women. men can learn form this as well.
August 12, 2017
Really helpful for moving to new role
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews