Non-fiction book by Sheryl Sandberg & Nell Scovell on advice for women pursuing careers outside of the home and breaking through gender stereotypes.
Ratings
- Content – 4/5
- Writing – 3/5
- Re-readability – 4/5
Sparks
This is definitely an essential book to read for career driven women who struggle with the idea of “balance”. I am one of them. I am also a strong believer in empowering women, in unleashing the potential of women all around the world, and in striving for gender equality (for both men and women). It is quite an appropriate choice for me to write my first blog post on this book.
The book covers many excellent points and uses data to show how unequal the genders are in the workplace, which could be very different from how you feel. I would highly recommend everyone to read it, both men and women. The book’s point of view on things might not work for everyone, but for some women (such as myself and a few others I’ve mentored in my professional field) many of these things ring true. If you do decide to read this book, I encourage you to read critically, and pick out what is useful for you.
I do not intend to write any synopsis of books, but here are some thoughts that stayed with me after I finished reading:
- Success should not be judged. Women who are successful are often not liked because they are associated with being aggressive and displaying more “manly” traits. This should not be a reason why women should not strive for success. But rather, this should be a reason why we need to change the social norm and perception of what women can be.
- Career progression is no longer a ladder, but rather a jungle gym. This gives us more opportunities to experience different types of work, develop different skills, making more impact, and end up finding where we want to be. The key is to know how to navigate through the jungle gym.
- Mentorship is not something you should ask for, but rather developed, especially not before a true relationship has been established. Often times, the best mentorship relationships are grown organically, through already established professional and personal relationships. Mentorship is also usually not just one way, but a win-win situation for both the mentor and the mentee. The best way to have a mentor is by excelling at what you do, and looking for more opportunities.
- Bring your whole self to work. This is not just a saying, but the only way to truly develop a long-term career that is fulfilling and complements your personal life. Speak the truth, in an appropriate way to get the message across. Don’t assume that people would know if you don’t say it. The line between personal and professional lives are increasingly being blurred, authenticity is important to make sure that we stay true to ourselves.
- Don’t make decisions today for things that have not yet happened. There are things that might happen several months or even years down the road, such as having children. Don’t leave until you actually have to leave, and while you’re still here, fully lean in.
- Partners are supposed to be equal, in life and at work. Make it a norm that men and women share housework equally, and have equal responsibility in making a living.
- It is not possible to do it all or have it all, for either men or women. The key is not to have it all, but the freedom and ability to make choices each time, and be comfortable with the choices without guilt. Decide on a priority for the moment, for the day, for the year, or for 5 years. It’s your priority, no one should judge you for it.
For anyone interested in learning more about this book or the associated movement, please visit https://leanin.org