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Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead,
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Jessica
“Women need to shift from thinking ‘I’m not ready to do that’ to thinking ‘I want to do that — and I’ll learn by doing it.’” This part of the book really resonated with me, because so many opportunities can be unlocked with a bit of confidence! Many men don't think twice about applying for jobs before they have the precise qualifications necessary. Doing this takes some bravado -- or can I say, bravada! -- but it can be the most efficient way to push forward into something new and challenging. And we may surprise ourselves with what we can accomplish!
Traci
Three things that resonated with me were:
1) "If I'm afraid to do something, it is usually because I am not good at it or perhaps am too scared even to try." This is definitely the case with me - I hate failure and often will talk myself out of doing something simply because there's a chance that I won't be successful!
2) Regarding negotiating: "People expect men to advocate on their own behalf, point out their own contributions, and be recognized and rewarded for them. For men, there is truly no harm in asking." I am horrible at negotiating and wish that I had made more of an effort the last time I was pursuing a position. I just have the feeling that if I negotiate, I'll lose out altogether or be seen in a negative light prior to even potentially accepting a position. In all actuality, maybe it creates more of a negative impression NOT to negotiate!
3) "Owning one's success is key to achieving more success." In the past, I've always downplayed everything I've ever done by stating that "I've been lucky," when actually I know that I've achieved most things in life by working VERY hard for them!
1) "If I'm afraid to do something, it is usually because I am not good at it or perhaps am too scared even to try." This is definitely the case with me - I hate failure and often will talk myself out of doing something simply because there's a chance that I won't be successful!
2) Regarding negotiating: "People expect men to advocate on their own behalf, point out their own contributions, and be recognized and rewarded for them. For men, there is truly no harm in asking." I am horrible at negotiating and wish that I had made more of an effort the last time I was pursuing a position. I just have the feeling that if I negotiate, I'll lose out altogether or be seen in a negative light prior to even potentially accepting a position. In all actuality, maybe it creates more of a negative impression NOT to negotiate!
3) "Owning one's success is key to achieving more success." In the past, I've always downplayed everything I've ever done by stating that "I've been lucky," when actually I know that I've achieved most things in life by working VERY hard for them!
Meena Balakrishnan
When she talks about "Impostor Syndrome" I felt as though she was reading my mind! That's how I have always felt and still continue feeling that way every time someone praises me or gives me a responsible role.. I do think it's extremely important to embrace one's strengths and weaknesses with ease and not become paralyzed by fear.
Mereana Sheehan
Most of all, in order to live a fulfilling life - you need to find the right partner who can help you in your pursuits and be just as much if not more a feminist than you and one who supports your endeavours. This relates to home life and work life, someone who pushes you to be your best and a partnership where you are truly equal is most important.
Suzanne
I agree with Jessica. I'd also add that Sandberg's advice re mentors is particularly important for women. Women are starting to realize that mentors can have a huge impact on their careers but they are approaching it the wrong way. You don't ask someone to be your mentor. And it is definitely not the same relationship as one you would have with a therapist! One way to start is to ask people you respect and trust (both above and below you, and by the way, don't restrict yourself to just other women!) for specific advice to solve a problem. Over time, you'll build a more meaningful relationship with your own group of mentors.
Justin Cramer
As a male, I always assumed I could get a good check on my unrecognized biases by including a female in my review of another female. Now I can see where that has not worked because the female I used had more female biases than I did. Though I will not stop the practice of asking female workers about female coworkers (I see it as part of mentorship), I will be better equipped to lead coworkers around these biases.
Allison
There were so many great pieces, but here are my favorites:
1. Quoting Nora Ephron, with respect to going back to work with a young family: "It will be a little messy, but embrace the mess. It will be complicated, but rejoice in the complications. It will not be anything like what you think it will be like, but surprises are good for you. And don't be frightened: you can always change your mind."
2. Regarding finding a mentor: It's not "get a mentor and you will excel." Rather, "excel and you will get a mentor."
3. So please ask yourself: What would I do if I weren't afraid? And then go do it."
1. Quoting Nora Ephron, with respect to going back to work with a young family: "It will be a little messy, but embrace the mess. It will be complicated, but rejoice in the complications. It will not be anything like what you think it will be like, but surprises are good for you. And don't be frightened: you can always change your mind."
2. Regarding finding a mentor: It's not "get a mentor and you will excel." Rather, "excel and you will get a mentor."
3. So please ask yourself: What would I do if I weren't afraid? And then go do it."
Terri
I most appreciated her advice about not being fearful. She wonders what women could accomplish if they were just less afraid. I agree. We need to be unafraid to speak up when we feel speaking up is required, and we need to be less fearful to take chances. We need to be true to ourselves even if risk is sometimes involved.
Caroline Clark
For me it was two parts:
1) Treat your career like a jungle gym not a ladder - reflecting on my own career this is sooo true! Couple this with the advice to take opportunities based on potential for growth rather than pay or prestige - exactly why I took a massive pay cut two years ago and found a job I love!
2) Make your partner a real partner - it's up to us to define the kind of relationship we want with our partners, it doesn't have to be the traditional roles just because that's how it's always been. Find your own groove, whatever works for you. Support each other to make the best choices for your circumstances. Don't feel guilty about making that choice.
1) Treat your career like a jungle gym not a ladder - reflecting on my own career this is sooo true! Couple this with the advice to take opportunities based on potential for growth rather than pay or prestige - exactly why I took a massive pay cut two years ago and found a job I love!
2) Make your partner a real partner - it's up to us to define the kind of relationship we want with our partners, it doesn't have to be the traditional roles just because that's how it's always been. Find your own groove, whatever works for you. Support each other to make the best choices for your circumstances. Don't feel guilty about making that choice.
Betsy Sprunt
Lean in with no fear - This theme throughout the book really helped me adopt my current motto: "Ask, the worst they can tell you is "No"." While I still struggle a bit, I was less afraid to ask for more money during my job interview (a feat I had never dreamed I'd do), and when given a new opportunity/responsibility that warrants a raise, I ask for it instead of waiting for it.
Also, because of this book, I leaning WAY in at work. Learning every skill I can with the plan of becoming indispensable at my job. All for a very strategic plan of having a strong career to return to if and when I decide to have children. None of which I ever though about before.
Also, because of this book, I leaning WAY in at work. Learning every skill I can with the plan of becoming indispensable at my job. All for a very strategic plan of having a strong career to return to if and when I decide to have children. None of which I ever though about before.
Stephanie Behne
"When looking for a life partner, my advice to women is to date all of them: the bad boys, the cool boys, the commitment-phobic boys, the crazy boys. But do not marry them. The things that make the bad boys sexy do not make them good husbands. When it comes time to settle down, find someone who wants an equal partner." I second this wholeheartedly! Why settle down with someone you have to "take care of" all the time? What about what YOU want? I see so many young women in love with the idea of being in love, not yet understanding the realities of a long-term relationship. How do we teach them to remain true to themselves?
Sadhana Chevireddy
I have carried these points
1. Be authentic in your emotions. Very seldom do your emotions will negatively effect your professional conduct. Tell the truth!
2. Never leave before leave. Do not lean back before the moment of actual decision.
3. Women are not any less than men in meritocracy. Sit at the table and voice your opinion. This will boost your confidence.
1. Be authentic in your emotions. Very seldom do your emotions will negatively effect your professional conduct. Tell the truth!
2. Never leave before leave. Do not lean back before the moment of actual decision.
3. Women are not any less than men in meritocracy. Sit at the table and voice your opinion. This will boost your confidence.
Ela
I just started reading the book (yes, I know it's a bit late), and I love the last sentence of the first chapter: "We move closer to the larger goal of true equality with each woman who leans in."
Happy Msale
Don't leave before you leave. Anyone lucky enough to have options should keep them open. Don't enter the workforce already looking for the exit. Don't put the brakes. Accelerate.
More of the lessons i learn't from the book here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgHDS...
More of the lessons i learn't from the book here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgHDS...
Leahavner
Her advice about making sure to "get a seat at the table"! A few days after reading that line I was in a large meeting where all the board room table seats were already filled. I took a chair from the wall and politely excused myself while I pushed my chair in to a spot at the table! My hard work earned my spot in that room and my opinions had the right to be heard from more than just the peanut gallery!
John McLaughlin
The dilemmas she identifies as dis-empowering women, and her proposed solutions.
Diana Essex
This is a heavy question! She gives so much advice. I think the piece that resonated with me the most was the part about mentoring. Although I'm in the midst of my first internship, I can already see how this difference of mentoring for men and women comes about. I thought it was really interesting when she discussed how we're still in a space where a man and woman can't go get drinks and talk about a mentorship without seeming like a date, but if it were two men this would not happen. She also remarks upon how sometimes mentorships don't even receive that title, it's simply a successful business relationship/partnership between a senior and junior. That being said, I think we as women need to be able to in Sandberg's words "Sit At the Table" with men and be able for that to be okay in a mentorship aspect. I'm not sure how exactly to begin that change but if anyone has any ideas please comment! Very good read overall!
CrinklyGnome007
To stop Butt-Watching.To sit at the table and raise your hands more frequently.TO take a challenge head on even if am not properly qualified for it and learn on the go rather than ruminating if I am good enough to take it up.I have been guilty as charged of the first and last.
Claire Ng
I learn many wise advice from Sanberg's book. It is true that gender inequality in workplace happens everywhere in any society, even more outstanding in higher level. The piece that resonated me is the lines about when a break is needed or when a child arrives. " The months and years leading up to having children are not the time to lean back, but the critical time to lean in".
Fengxiwen113
Really like this book because of Liao Tiantian,I wish I could read this and be near for her
Binit
I think her advice about making the workplace more open emotionally would be useful for everyone. Whether we like it or our personal and professional selves intrude into each other and rather trying to create a two artificially separate personas we should try to accept both into our selves.
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