Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg cover

Lean In

Women, Work and the Will to Lead

by Sheryl Sandberg

4.5(17,314 ratings)
13 min read

Brief overview

This book challenges the deep-rooted assumptions about women’s roles in the workplace, shining a light on the confidence gap, the double bind of success and likeability, and the crucial need for supportive environments that benefit everyone. It blends revealing research, powerful personal anecdotes, and practical guidance to encourage women—and men—to aim for shared leadership.

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Introduction

Women have made enormous strides in education, business, and politics, yet true equality remains elusive. Leaders across industries and government are still mostly men, while women often encounter subtle and blatant barriers limiting their paths to senior roles.

In this call to arms, the author shines a spotlight on the ways traditional expectations and personal anxieties keep women from stepping forward. From early schooling to corporate boardrooms, the message is clear: too many women hesitate, underestimate their capabilities, and underestimate the support they can rally.

The idea of “leaning in” is an invitation to dive into challenges rather than shying away. It means recognizing our own worth, confronting self-doubt, and taking action to claim seats at the decision-making table.

In the pages ahead, you’ll find research-based insights, personal anecdotes, and motivational tips. The author aims to ignite conversations and create spaces where women can assert themselves without guilt or apology.

We advance by refusing to shy away from the opportunities that scare us most.

Overcoming Inner Barriers

Many women grow up under subtle cues that it’s not “ladylike” to speak too boldly or aim too high. These messages can spark self-criticism and the feeling that success might come at a cost—like being seen as abrasive or unlikeable.

A pervasive sense of feeling like a fraud—often called the “impostor syndrome”—plagues even the most accomplished women. They may attribute success to good fortune or external help rather than their own skills.

Confronting these inner barriers starts with naming them. When we recognize that self-doubt holds us back more than external obstacles, we can begin the process of retraining our minds to see possibility and potential.

Analyzing our thought patterns, journaling successes, or speaking openly with mentors and friends are all ways to snap out of negative thinking. Each small step chips away at the fear that we don’t belong at the top.

“If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on.”

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What is Lean In about?

“Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead” offers a thoughtful look at the deep-seated challenges women face in professional settings, from subtle gender bias to the constant conflict between success and social approval. Drawing on her experiences as a high-level executive, Sheryl Sandberg uses real-world examples and data-driven insights to show how institutional norms and personal doubts can limit women’s climb up the career ladder.

This book stands out for its concrete solutions, encouraging women to aim high, embrace their ambitions, and engage in honest discussions about stereotypes that hold them back. By combining firsthand anecdotes with research findings, Sandberg underscores the key idea that shared leadership—supported by both women and men—can create workplaces where everyone thrives.

Review of Lean In

The strength of “Lean In” lies in its balance between rigorous evidence and relatable personal stories. Readers gain a fresh perspective on the confidence gap, finding practical tips for requesting promotions, building vital networks, and navigating the double bind of being both capable and likable. There is a clear focus on actionable steps to promote greater equality, from improving workplace policies to rethinking ingrained cultural expectations.

Sandberg’s writing style is professional yet accessible, striking a welcoming tone for a wide range of readers. She offers candid assessments of her own career missteps and triumphs, making her guidance all the more realistic and credible. Concluding with a call for collaborative effort—where women and men join forces to support each other—this book is a valuable companion for anyone hoping to advance workplace equity and personal fulfillment. Highly recommended for those seeking clear, research-based motivation to rise further in their careers.

Who should read Lean In?

  • Early-career professionals who want confidence-building strategies for promotions and leadership
  • Managers and HR specialists aiming to develop supportive policies for women’s advancement
  • Working parents balancing demanding jobs and family responsibilities
  • Male allies interested in fostering equality and inclusive workplace cultures

About the author

Sheryl Sandberg is a renowned American technology executive, philanthropist, and writer. She served as the Chief Operating Officer of Meta Platforms until August 2022 and is the founder of LeanIn.Org. Sandberg holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Harvard University, where she graduated *summa cum laude* in 1991, and an MBA from Harvard Business School, earned with the highest distinction in 1995. She has extensive experience in the tech industry, including six years as Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google and over 14 years as COO at Facebook, where she played a crucial role in making the company profitable.

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