These two simple words have caused a lively debate on social media as people react to Sheryl Sandberg’s provocative book: Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead. Why should we listen to Ms. Sandberg? As the 43-year-old Chief Operating Officer at Facebook, the social networking service with over a billion active users, she is a leader in the male dominated tech-business.
Sandberg cites a 2011 study by McKinsey & Co. that shows women are promoted based on past accomplishments and men often on potential. She encourages women to lean in, work hard, go after leadership positions, have a husband and children, and a 50/50 compromise with a partner who “leans in” to home life. While that is not for everyone, she does offer good ideas to ponder. Here are five:
1. Skip the people pleasing. Sandberg confesses that during her first formal review at Facebook, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg told her that her “desire to be liked by everyone” would hold her back.
2. Be more open to taking career risks. Women tend to avoid stretch assignments and new challenges on the job, Sandberg says. They worry too much about whether they have the skills needed to take on a new, loftier role.
3. Allow yourself to dream about your career. “I believe everyone should have a long-term dream,” Sandberg writes. She also believes you should have an 18-month plan to pursue immediate workplace goals, like learning new skills.
4. Envision your career as a jungle gym, not a ladder. “Ladders are limiting,” Sandberg writes. “Jungle gyms offer more creative exploration. There are many ways to get to the top of a jungle gym. The ability to forge a unique path with occasional dips, detours and even dead ends presents a better chance for fulfillment.”
5. Start a Lean-In circle. Circles are small groups that that meet regularly to share and learn together – like a book club focused on helping members achieve their goals. Check out LeanIn.org, which offers downloadable circle kits that show you how to form and run one.
So the next time you have some time free, instead of leaning for the TV remote or clicking on a YouTube video, Lean In into a book, and discover new career ideas.
About Theresa Weber:
Theresa Weber is Co-Founder of Alexandria Consulting Team (ACT) LLC an international management consultancy. Terry is also editor of the the daily e-newsletter: MENA #WomeninBusiness Forum. You can follower her on twitter @TheresaFWeber and @ACT_LLC
By Theresa F. Weber
