Book Summary and Analysis of Lean In

By Quick Reads

Lean In is a book written for women who face real obstacles in the professional world and for men who want to contribute to a more just society. The book argues that even in this modern world where we value equality, there are still barriers that prevent more women from taking leadership roles in the workplace – including blatant and subtle sexism, discrimination, and sexual harassment.

Sandberg claims there are also barriers that women create for themselves because of the norm in gender roles — by lacking self-confidence, by not raising hands, and by holding back when they should be leaning in. Sandberg points out that getting rid of these internal barriers is critical to gaining leadership roles.

The main objective of this book is to encourage women to lean in to leadership positions so that more female voices will be heard all throughout the world. The book aims to inspires men as much as it inspires women, in the hope that there will be more equal opportunities created for everyone.

When she met Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google when it was still unknown, he told her that only one criterion mattered when picking a job – fast growth. "If you're offered a seat on a rocket ship, you don't ask what seat. You just get on."

"A truly equal world would be one where women ran half our countries and companies and men ran half our homes."

- Sheryl Sandberg

• Language: English
• Publisher: Quick Reads
• Release date: Jul 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386584865

Book preview

About the Author

Sheryl Sandberg is the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook and founder of Leanin.org.  In 2012, she became the first woman to serve on Facebook's board of directors. Prior to being the COO of Facebook, she was Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google. Before her service at Google, Sandberg served as chief of staff for United States Secretary of the Treasury Lawrence Summers.

In 2012, Time magazine included her in the World's 100 Most Influential People, which was mostly led by powerful men. As of June 2015, Sandberg is reported to be worth over US$1 billion, due to her stock holdings in Facebook and other companies. Sandberg currently lives in Menlo Park, California.

INTRODUCTION

Lean In is a book written for women who face real obstacles in the professional world and for men who want to contribute to a more just society. The book argues that even in this modern world where we value equality, there are still barriers that prevent more women from taking leadership roles in the workplace – including blatant and subtle sexism, discrimination, and sexual harassment.

Sandberg claims there are also barriers that women create for themselves because of the norm in gender roles — by lacking self-confidence, by not raising hands, and by holding back when they should be leaning in. Sandberg points out that getting rid of these internal barriers is critical to gaining leadership roles.

The main objective of this book is to encourage women to lean in to leadership positions so that more female voices will be heard all throughout the world. The book aims to inspires men as much as it inspires women, in the hope that there will be more equal opportunities created for everyone.

A truly equal world would be one where women ran half our countries and companies and men ran half our homes.

- Sheryl Sandberg

CHAPTER 1. The Leadership Ambition Gap

What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid?

The chapter starts with a story of Sheryl’s grandmother. During the Depression, her grandmother was withdrawn from school to help support her family while all the boys remained to get their education. At that time, a boy’s education was the family’s priority more than a girl's education. Men is perceived to have more contribution in the family's income hence their education is important. Luckily, one of the teachers encouraged Girlie, her grandmother, to go back to school. She then finished her studies in U. C. Berkeley. After graduating, she worked hard and became a successful salesperson at David’s Fifth Avenue. She also used her financial wisdom in saving their family business from ruin.  She successfully beat cancer and helped raised money for the clinic that treated her. How different would her life be if she had been born half a century later?

When Sheryl is growing up, her parents encouraged them to excel in