How Women Rise

Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job

by Sally Helgesen, Marshall Goldsmith

4.7(949 ratings)

13 min read

Brief overview

This book shows you how to identify and let go of the habits that keep you stuck in your career. It reveals common pitfalls women often face and offers effective strategies to rise above them. Expect practical guidance, real-life examples, and an encouraging roadmap for moving forward.

Introduction

Imagine you’re living a busy life where you excel in all assigned tasks, yet you feel that something is holding you back from the bigger opportunities you desire. Across many workplaces, countless women battle subtle habits that keep them from showing up as powerfully as they could. Well-intentioned patterns—like diligently perfecting your craft, staying quiet when recognition is due, or hesitating to leverage your relationships—can unintentionally stall your growth.

In a world that still grapples with inequality in leadership roles, it’s vital for women to recognize their strengths and step beyond self-imposed boundaries. This summary explores how certain seemingly harmless tendencies can weigh you down, and what you can do to break free. The goal is to help you embrace your accomplishments, expand your network, and cultivate habits that prepare you for top leadership.

Throughout these pages, you’ll discover real stories and research-based tips about changing entrenched behaviors. You’ll see how other women have overcome issues related to self-promotion, perfectionism, and overcommitment. As you read, reflect on which habits resonate with you. You might be closer to a breakthrough than you imagine.

Acknowledging old patterns is the first step toward meaningful change.

Breaking Old Patterns

If you’ve ever felt stuck, it might be because you were taught to quietly wait for recognition. In many cultures, women grow up believing that going the extra mile in silence is noble. Yet top leaders know that visibility is crucial. Without it, your boss may not realize how vital your contributions are. Over time, hiding your achievements leads to discouragement.

Moving forward involves seeing habits for what they are: learned behaviors. Rather than feeling shame if you’re not instantly bold, realize that patterns can be replaced. Each day presents a chance to speak up in meetings, share your insights with confidence, or ask for support with big projects. It doesn’t require a complete personality overhaul—a few small shifts in how you interact can have a lasting impact.

Some of the strongest emotional hurdles come from internal beliefs. Perhaps you think self-promotion is egotistical or you’re wary of playing “office politics.” But advocating for yourself doesn’t mean betraying your values. It’s about letting others see the real value you bring to the table, ensuring nobody overlooks your potential.

Advocating for your work isn’t bragging—it's standing up for what you have to offer.

Looking to dive deeper into How Women Rise?

Download our app to unlock every key idea and gain full access.

What is How Women Rise about?

How Women Rise by renowned leadership experts Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith is a transformative guide dedicated to helping women overcome self-imposed barriers in their professional journeys. The book dives deep into understanding and dismantling the subtle habits that hold women back from claiming their rightful place at the top. By providing actionable insights, it empowers women to break free from these constraints and embrace pathways leading to fulfilling careers.

Central themes in the book include recognizing personal patterns that may hinder progress, owning one's achievements, and cultivating a proactive approach in career development. Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith's compelling narrative highlights the essence of overcoming patterns of self-doubt, perfectionism, and the urge to please — habits that often stifle career advancement. The book's core value lies in its ability to offer practical, actionable strategies that can positively impact women's professional lives.

With evidence-backed insights and relatable real-life examples, How Women Rise plays a crucial role in challenging systemic biases while equipping women to navigate the complexities of modern work environments. It's both a guide and a catalyst for women seeking to assert their value and rise to leadership roles, offering a roadmap filled with encouragement and wisdom.

Review of How Women Rise

How Women Rise stands out as a must-read for professional women intent on advancing their careers. Written in collaboration by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith, the book expertly identifies 12 behavioral habits that often impede women's career progress. Among the key strengths of the book is its focused exploration of practical applications. Readers gain not only awareness of these habits but also tangible steps to overcome such barriers, thus bridging the gap between knowledge and action.

The book's writing style is engaging and approachable, rooted in both professional expertise and conversational simplicity. Helgesen and Goldsmith successfully synergize their insights, reflecting a deep understanding of gender dynamics in the workplace. Another noteworthy aspect is the way they tailor their content to meet their audience's needs. This makes the book highly relevant to women aspiring for more significant roles, including those in mid-to-senior management positions.

The authors effectively highlight the importance of balancing expertise with visibility—encouraging readers to embrace strategic networking and take ownership of their achievements without reservations. The result is a refreshing and enlightening narrative strongly supported by thoughtful research and real-world examples, making it highly recommended to anyone ready to break redundant habits and unleash her leadership potential.

Who should read How Women Rise?

Professional women seeking career advancement who are interested in addressing workplace challenges with actionable insights.
Mid-career professionals looking to break self-imposed patterns that may inhibit their climb to leadership positions.
Ambitious newcomers entering traditionally male-dominated industries who strive to build a solid foundation for future leadership.
Human resources professionals and career coaches interested in incorporating gender-focused strategies into their training and mentoring programs.
Leaders and managers who wish to support female talent in their organizations through better understanding gender-specific career challenges.

About the author

Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith are the authors of "How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job". Sally Helgesen is a best-selling author, speaker, and leadership coach, recognized as the world's premier expert on women's leadership by Forbes. She has over 35 years of experience delivering seminars and keynotes globally and has authored several influential books, including "The Female Advantage" and "The Web of Inclusion". Marshall Goldsmith is a renowned executive coach and author, known for his work in leadership development. Together, they provide practical advice on overcoming habits that hinder women's career advancement.