The Book Review: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Author: Nell Scovell and Sheryl Sandberg

Genre: Biography

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Pages: 217 Pages

Year of Publication: 2013

“I got Pregnant with my first child in the summer of 2004.” When a management book starts with this as a first sentence, it definitely piques my interest. We have seen multiple memes of expectations vs reality (what students actually Vis a Vis what others think they do, what professionals actually do Vis a Vis what others think they do) and this book suddenly came into that gamut of expectation vs reality but not as a joke.

I have read several management books, about the outliers, about motivation and fighting against the odd but never did I read a book solely dedicated to women and their careers. In the long fought war for women empowerment and equality many would say that it loses the essence when starts focusing on women separately. If they have to be equal to women they need to step and do things as men do.

It is rightly pointed out by Sheryl Sandberg that from her grandmother’s generation to her generation, there were rapid changes in women empowerment with respect to education, work and home. However, after reaching a level field, there has been no or minuscule progress in the past few decades. It is a fact that 36% of men and only 18% women want to reach the C-Suite. It does not speak much about women’s ambitions but it speaks a lot about the society which tuned women to think the way they do. Basic behaviors or feelings described by the author in the book was very relatable and I am sure many women would agree on the same. The “Feeling like a Fraud” concept highlighted in the initial chapters hits a bull’s eye to what women feel when they are appreciated of an accomplishment. I give a sheepish grin as if I have committed a crime by doing an exemplary work, some put it on other’s effort rather than accepting it as a feat. of their own and then there are many who try to hide it in the garb of humility. Despite being high achievers, a sense of insecurity prevails where the sub conscious suggests that one doesn’t deserve the praise they receive.

Several professional aspects discussed by her such as the Tiara syndrome, Heidi Howard study and the 18 month plan was extremely enriching. However, the book strikes a chord the most when she starts talking about women and work life balances. The insecurities regarding balancing work with kids, avoiding important roles due to self-doubt regarding managing both work and kids, perception of women in power, and women standing up for themselves are quite a few things which many working women could relate to. Her take on mentorship is extremely insightful.

The book talks about feminism (in the right context and not as a misconstrued construct floating around globally these days. It talks about fears and above all it talks about the elephant which we all try to hide under the carpet. The quintessential question to be pondered upon still remains the same – should we lean in.

And to summarize what Sheryl Sandberg has to say to this question – Despite several gender biases that are still prevalent in the workplace, it is essential that women believe in themselves, take help wherever necessary, speak up, be confident and do not give up. Instead, believe in yourself and “lean in”