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How Women Rise

summary ofHow Women RiseBook by Sally Helgesen, Marshall Goldsmith

12 min
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You’ll learn

  • Keys to balancing humility and pride
  • How to leverage career relationships
  • Why hard work and expertise aren't all you need
  • About planning the future without overthinking

first KEY POINT

Breaking free from what holds you back

Do you ever feel stuck, working hard but not seeing progress? Most career people have been there, wondering why promotions remain elusive or their efforts go unnoticed. It's like being stuck in quicksand; the more you struggle, the deeper you sink. But here's a little-known secret, or at least a secret many people don't like to admit: Your success in the workplace largely depends on you and not so much on your boss or any external circumstances.Rather than shift blame or resign yourself to fate, taking stock of your life and seeing if you're falling short in some areas is necessary. Often, the culprit is unproductive habits, and this summary will help you figure out what is holding you back.Habits, those sneaky little things, influence your life in more ways than you realize. They become deeply ingrained over time, almost like second nature. That’s why you often find yourself performing them without conscious thought. They're like the currents beneath the ocean's surface, influencing your direction. Sometimes, they guide you toward success, but other times, they pull you into stagnation.So, what are the common habits that hold back career success? How do they work? And most importantly, how can you break free from their grasp and rise above them?

To change your habits and adapt, start by consciously deciding to do so.

Sit back and learn from seasoned career experts with a track record of helping others succeed in their careers. You'll discover answers to the above questions and more. All you need is to be attentive.Let's roll!

second KEY POINT

Balancing hard work and recognition

In any professional setting, individuals must strike a subtle balance between working diligently and ensuring their efforts get noticed. Some navigate this balance effortlessly, while others may find it challenging. This equilibrium, or occasional lack thereof, can significantly impact your career.Let's explore the various habits people exhibit in this context.Habit 1: The quiet achieverThis group of individuals believes in the power of silent hard work. They are the ones who stay late, come in early, and often go beyond their call of duty.They operate under the assumption, “If I do good work, it will shine through.” But, unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Ellen’s story is an excellent example. She's an engineer known for her networking prowess. Day in and day out, she connects with colleagues, bridges communication gaps, and ensures smooth project transitions. Yet, she never vocalizes these achievements to her superiors, so none of them know how hard she works, and she never gets the deserved rewards.This habit might not seem harmful at first glance, but imagine talking about an artist who constantly paints masterpieces but keeps hiding them in a storeroom. The story immediately shifts. While humility is a virtue, occasional visibility is essential. It's not about boasting but about ensuring that your contributions are acknowledged.Habit 2: The “they will notice” beliefThose who firmly believe their work will speak for itself are on the other side of the spectrum. They think, “If I excel, someone will surely take note.” Though noble, this mindset can be a double-edged sword.Take Amy, for instance. As a leader of a prominent team, she's at the forefront of several successful projects. She assumes her co-chair will highlight her contributions to the higher-ups. But when he doesn't, her efforts remain in the shadows.

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first KEY POINT

Maximize every form of leverage around you

second KEY POINT

Live in the present, plan for a desirable future

third KEY POINT

Never belittle yourself

fourth KEY POINT

Walking towards betterment

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Sally Helgesen is an expert on women's leadership. Marshall Goldsmith is a renowned executive coach. Both have authored influential books on leadership and behavior.

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Frequently asked questions

What is 'How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job' about?

'How Women Rise' by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith focuses on identifying and overcoming twelve specific habits that often impede women's career advancement. The authors aim to empower women by providing actionable insights to break through barriers toward achieving raises, promotions, or starting new job opportunities.

Is 'How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job' worth reading?

Yes, 'How Women Rise' is highly regarded as a valuable resource for women in the workplace. It offers practical strategies and reflections that can help readers understand their career challenges better and equip them with the tools needed to advance.

What are the key takeaways from 'How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job'?

Key takeaways from 'How Women Rise' include recognizing self-sabotaging habits, embracing assertiveness, and redefining personal brand to better navigate career paths. The book emphasizes the importance of visibility and building relationships to foster professional growth.

How many pages is 'How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job' and when was it published?

'How Women Rise' has approximately 276 pages and was published on March 27, 2018. This makes it a concise read packed with insights into women's leadership challenges and strategies.

Who are the authors of 'How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job'?

The book 'How Women Rise' is authored by Sally Helgesen, a recognized expert in women's leadership, and Marshall Goldsmith, a celebrated executive coach. Together, they combine their insights to tackle the unique challenges women face in advancing their careers.