by Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg beats the drum for women in power and leadership in Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. I am glad hers is the staccato rhythm of a drum line and not one loud bang on the gong. I got her message and so much more: insight on leadership, parenting, making double income households work, and what being a boss looks like from those who are not "the boss."
But I want to come back to her central theme: empowering women in the workforce. Sandberg writes, "Whatever this book is, I am writing it for any woman who wants to increase her chances of making it to the top of her field or pursue any goal vigorously. This includes women at all stages of their lives and careers" (pages 9-10). Sandberg opened my eyes to issues and challenges women face that I never considered. I bought several copies for women on our staff. I want them to read it, process it, and tell me more about what I don't know, but need to.
If you hesitate to pick up this text because you think ALL this self-proclaimed feminist will do is beat you over the head with that message, let me dissuade you of that thought. Lean In is leadership gold. My copy is considerably marked and soon I'll be following up with a number of podcast episodes at www.onmywalk.com to help share all my Aha! Moments.
Lean In is a New York Times best-seller for a good reason -- it's really good!
Five Reasons To Read
1. Lean In is an exceptional leadership text from a world-class leader.The subtitle, "Women, Work, And The Will To Lead" can disguise the insight on how to lead. It is a leadership clinic on paper. You will reap FAR MORE in leadership insight than you will expend in effort.
2. Lean In is honest.. Okay, Sheryl Sandberg is honest, refreshingly honest. In showing us her insecurities from time-to-time, her inner strength shines through.
3. Lean In is loaded with interesting anecdotes and solid research. Sandberg doesn't name-drop, but she does share story after interesting story that instruct and illustrate.
4. Lean In is bursting at the seams with key leadership lessons." Yes, I kind of already said that, but I want you to know it. I wrote "KL" for Key Lesson in the margin of the book time after time after time.
5. Lean In provides stellar help for parents and dual-earning couples.While I don't agree with all Sandberg shares, I love that she provides so much of her story, the findings of research, and the practices of others when it comes to work/parenting and work/partnering. It is keen insight and fresh air for those living in either season.