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The Confidence Code

summary ofThe Confidence CodeBook by Katty Kay, Claire Shipman

14 min
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You’ll learn

  • How genes affect confidence
  • Why women earn less than men
  • What builds lasting confidence
  • Whether confidence can be learned

first KEY POINT

Confident women excel in any task

How many female presidents do you know? Probably none.For the longest time, women have taken the back seat at the most powerful tables; their expertise relegated to more trivial matters. And we've allowed this to happen not because of our incompetence, but because of our lack of confidence.Over seven years, Marilyn Davidson surveyed her students on their expected and deserved earnings five years post-graduation. While a man thinks he deserves to earn $80,000 a year, a woman thinks she deserves $64,000. A huge difference of $16,000. This gap is way too dangerous to be considered normal and is proof of an even deeper problem in our world.

Women have the same mental capacity as men and can do whatever task they put their minds to.

What can be done to save further generations of women from falling into this trap of mediocrity? Simple! Spread the confidence gospel.This is what Katty Kay and Claire Shipman try to do in this book. They detail different steps that can inspire a woman to be more confident while breaking all the glass ceilings that bar her way.

second KEY POINT

Action is the evidence of your confidence

A 2011 study by the Institute of Leadership and Management in the UK found, through a questionnaire, that half of the British women surveyed doubted their work performance and career progression, in contrast to less than a third of men.Linda Babcock, an economics professor at Carnegie Mellon University and author of Women Don't Ask, also found that in business school, male students were four times more likely than their female counterparts to initiate salary negotiations. Furthermore, when women did negotiate, they typically asked for 30% less than men. These findings suggest that women perceive their worth as 20% lower than men's self-valuation.Women hesitate at important moments because they are scared. Scared of what and who is judging them, and because they nurture a fear of failure or a desire to do everything perfectly.This corresponds to research done by Hewlett-Packard, which shows women only apply for promotions when they meet 100% of the requirements while men, on the other hand, apply when they meet about 60%. Thus, women often feel confident only when they are near perfect or perfect.Some people are always at the forefront of any gathering. They command respect whenever they speak, and people hold their opinions in high regard. Many of these people are not necessarily the smartest, but they are the most confident because it is confidence that moves people to show respect.When you are not confident, you lose your ability to make meaningful contributions and climb higher on the ladder of success.Increasingly, researchers view confidence as crucial for internal well-being, happiness, and a satisfying life.

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first KEY POINT

Skill exercise leads to mastery

second KEY POINT

Stepping into confidence: Don't dodge challenges

third KEY POINT

Perfection is a myth; it hardly ever exists

fourth KEY POINT

Empower your children

fifth KEY POINT

Embrace failure to build confidence

sixth KEY POINT

Balance effort wisely for optimal advantage

seventh KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Katty Kay, a journalist and anchor for BBC World News America in Washington, DC, teams up with Claire Shipman, a fellow journalist and anchor for ABC News and Good Morning America. Together, they explore women’s confidence.

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Frequently asked questions

What is The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know about?

The Confidence Code, authored by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, explores the intricacies of self-assurance in women, blending scientific insight with practical advice. It emphasizes the importance of building confidence through action and challenges traditional notions of what it means to be confident.

What are the key takeaways from The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know?

Key takeaways include understanding that confidence can be cultivated, the impact of behavior on self-assurance, and the significance of risk-taking in fostering personal growth. The authors encourage women to embrace imperfection to advance their careers and personal lives.

Is The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know worth reading?

Yes, The Confidence Code is worth reading for anyone seeking to enhance their self-assurance, particularly women in professional environments. Its blend of research and relatable anecdotes makes it an engaging and insightful guide.

How many pages is The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know and when was it published?

The Confidence Code spans approximately 256 pages and was published on April 15, 2014. This relatively concise format makes it an accessible read for busy individuals looking to boost their confidence.

How can I apply the lessons from The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know in my life?

You can apply lessons from The Confidence Code by taking proactive steps toward challenges, embracing risks, and understanding that confidence grows through experience. The book suggests setting small, achievable goals to build self-assurance over time.