Lean In (2013)

What is it about? Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead  (2013) by Sheryl Sandberg talks about how become someone who is intelligent, hard-working, committed, trustworthy, and resilient,  someone who is pleasant to be around , and someone who can empower others.

Why bother? This is an inspiring book for women to participate more actively in the workplace, gain recognition and lead to impact.

Key Ideas What I learned from this book and later on from the Lean In website are: 

• Know Your Strength - There is an old saying, "God always prepares a low branch for birds who can't fly high." I truly believe in this: I can always do things worthwhile. If I can't fly high, then I can sing beautiful songs. If I can't sing well, I can eat worms to protect the trees. There is always something meaningful we can do. Don't force ourselves to do something we don't like or are not good at. 
• Stay Focused - To get good work results, you must stay focused. In other words, you have to insist on it and avoid being distracted. Sometimes, you fail to do this because you can't say NO! to something or some people. I like Johnny Ive's (from Apple) comments on his life lesson of staying focused and avoiding trying to please others. The question is, "how much time did you say NO?" We have the gut to say No when we like the idea, but we focus on something else. 
• Be Confident - Words account for only 7% of how people judge you. Deborah H. Gruenfeld explains how to use body language to shift the dynamic between people's interactions. It's also important to be aware of what people hear from you [3] and know your own strength and own it. [4]. To show confidence, make sure that you use the correct body language, such as: 
  • Takings an expansive and relaxed position which takes a maximum of the space
  • Keeping the head still. 
  • Holding eye contact for a long time while talking. 
  • Don't monitor other people's responses. 
• Use Multipliers - If you have multiplier goals, align and execute them together to best leverage the time. [1]
• Gain Business Acumen - Business acumen is defined as "keenness and quickness in understanding and dealing with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome." Susan's explanation of business acumen and its' importance is enlightening. [5] ​​​ ​

​Favorite Quotes 

“What would you do if you weren't afraid?” 
― Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Related Read 

1. Rethinking Time: The Power of Multipliers, by Jennifer Aaker, Professor of Marketing at the Stanford Graduate School of Business
2. What Works for Women at Work, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, by Joan C. Williams, Distinguished professor of law at the University of California
3. Communicating with Confidence, Jennifer Allyn, Diversity Strategy Leader, PwC
4. Know Your Strengths, Own Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham
5. The career advice you probably didn’t get, by Susan Colantuono

Last Updated: 8/14/2022