Today, my presentation is on the best-selling book “Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook. The book was inspired by a TED Talk that Sandberg gave in December 2010 called “Why we have too few women leaders”.
Her 15-minute talk focused on why female success has stalled at the top. She offers three points.
“My talk today is about what the messages are if you do want to stay in the workforce, and I think there are three. One, sit at the table. Two, make your partner a real partner. And three, don’t leave before you leave.”
Sandberg was previously an executive at Google and chief of staff for the Secretary of the Treasury. Her professional life has been at top tech firms and important governmental bodies so her advice focuses on business, on being an executive. That is what she knows how to do.
So, after the presentation, is Sandberg’s message too narrow? Too idealistic? What do you think?
Caitlin,
I think you gave an excellent presentation! I was previously apprehensive about Sandberg’s book given all the criticism she received post-publication. However, I think you offered a very compelling argument on why her book is worth reading. I really admire Sandberg’s willingness to speak about women in leadership considering it isn’t addressed in general leadership seminars or books even though, as you mentioned, women have very different experiences in leadership roles than men. With that said, thank you for bringing this topic into our discussion, I will definitely add “Lean in” to my reading list!
I think that the women’s revolution needed a refocusing. Sandberg’s book and TED talk put what the goal of the women’s revolution initially was. She inadvertently created a feminist manifesto because it is exactly what was needed. Great presentation!