Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

by Sheryl Sandberg

woman’s self-confidence and self-esteem drop to a much greater degree.9 The internalization of failure and the insecurity it breeds hurt future performance, so this pattern has serious long-term

In retrospect, at a certain point it’s your ability to learn quickly and contribute quickly that matters.

One of the things I tell people these days is that there is no perfect fit when you’re looking for the next big thing to do. You have to take opportunities and make an opportunity fit for you, rather than the other way around. The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.”

I believe that all of us—men and women alike—should acknowledge good fortune and thank the people who have helped us. No one accomplishes anything all alone.

Just as in real life, performance is highly dependent upon the reaction people have to one another.

Since people want to hire and promote those who are both competent and nice, this creates a huge stumbling block for women.

success. A willingness to make an introduction or advocate for or promote someone depends upon having positive feelings about that person. We need to believe in her ability to do the job and get along with everyone while doing it. That’s why, instinctively, many of us feel pressure to mute our accomplishments.

success. Professional advancement depends upon people believing that an employee is contributing to good results.