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Lean In

summary ofLean InBook by Sheryl Sandberg

13 min
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You’ll learn

  • Why women's untapped potential is transformative
  • How self-belief revolutionizes your career
  • What makes excellence a magnet for mentorship
  • About the transformative role of constructive feedback

first KEY POINT

Despite developments in how women are treated today, they still get sidelined in many ways

In the United States and other parts of the world, women are slowly and steadily taking over jobs and fields previously dominated by men. Women have evolved from being home–makers to taking top positions in the corporate world. It is no longer surprising to see a woman occupying a seat on the board, just as it has become quite the norm to have a woman on a congressional seat. While there are still some parts of the world where women are treated as toys, slaves, and property, America is centuries ahead of such a biased misplacement of the female gender.

Women need to rise up; there is a call for everyone to wake up and command more respect in society.

However, men still rule the world and the working world is still a tough place for women. Women are being sidelined in their places of work; with all the growth the world has experienced, there are still some companies that pay women less than their male counterparts. In addition, women occupy only a tiny percentage of the board seats, and men still dominate Congress. Aside from these external barriers, women are hindered by obstacles such as lack of self–confidence, aspirations, and the expectation to have the best that life can offer. As a result, women tend to pull back instead of leaning in.In this summary, women will learn how to climb up the career ladder and pursue their ambitions to give expression to their full potential. Also, it will help men to understand the world of women and play their role adequately to promote equality.

second KEY POINT

Chart a course that reflects your personal and professional success and not societal opinions

Women have everything it takes to assume leadership positions in the workplace. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, girls in the United States perform better than boys in the classroom, earning around 57% and 60% of undergraduate and master's degrees, respectively. Despite this, the workplace demands risk – taking and advocacy—a trait most girls do not possess. This may be the major reason girls' academic achievements do not automatically translate to higher positions in an organization. One of the main reasons for this is a leadership ambition gap. Although many women are ambitious, and they desire to be at the peak of their careers, statistics have shown that more men aspire to the most senior jobs in most companies. McKinsey surveyed 4,000 employees of successful companies in 2012. The survey showed that 36% of the male participants wanted to be executive–level managers in their companies compared to 18% of the women surveyed.

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first KEY POINT

Internal factors play a major role in the reason why most women are having issues at the workplace

second KEY POINT

People tend to evaluate others based on gender, so a good act can be seen as bad just because you are a woman

third KEY POINT

Don't go about chasing after strangers to mentor you; let your talents speak for you

fourth KEY POINT

Constructive feedback helps companies to identify solutions on areas of weakness

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's COO, and writer Nell Scovell have joined forces to offer a groundbreaking exploration into the challenges and opportunities in women's leadership.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead about?

Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead is a groundbreaking book by Sheryl Sandberg that explores the challenges women face in the workplace. It encourages women to assert themselves and pursue leadership roles, while also addressing societal norms and barriers that hinder their progress.

What are the key takeaways from Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead?

Some key takeaways from Lean In include the importance of confidence in women's careers, the need for mentorship, and the value of balancing professional ambition with personal life. Sandberg emphasizes building a supportive community and fostering open conversations about gender dynamics in the workplace.

Is Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead worth reading?

Absolutely, Lean In is worth reading for anyone interested in gender equality and women's leadership in business. Sandberg provides actionable insights and inspiring stories that resonate with both women and men, making it a must-read for those seeking to understand workplace dynamics.

How many pages is Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead and when was it published?

Lean In has approximately 240 pages and was published on March 11, 2013. This book continues to be relevant in discussions about women's roles in leadership more than a decade after its release.

What themes does Sandberg address in Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead?

In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg addresses themes of gender inequality, workplace culture, and the negotiation of personal and professional life. She highlights the need for women to 'lean in' to their careers and advocates for systemic changes to support women in leadership positions.