Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Sheryl Sandberg

Mar 2013 · Sold by Knopf

About this ebook

#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • “A landmark manifesto" (The New York Times) that's a revelatory, inspiring call to action and a blueprint for individual growth that will empower women around the world to achieve their full potential. 

In her famed TED talk, Sheryl Sandberg described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her talk, which has been viewed more than eleven million times, encouraged women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto. Lean In continues that conversation, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can. Sandberg, COO of Meta (previously called Facebook) from 2008-2022, provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career. She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment, and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women both in the workplace and at home.

Ratings and reviews

Sheryl's book was interesting and she definitely got the point across that she believes women can have a full life with a career, children, happy marriage, etc... But I felt it really only recounted her own experiences and research that relates to educated, upper/middle class US citizens. Yes, it was interesting to hear about a successful woman leader's life, but I think the book fell a little short in the overall topic. I will say it sparked some interesting conversations between my boyfriend and I.

Hm. While I praise Sandberg for putting this book out and at times making valid points, I overall take issue with her "lean in" mantra applying to upper-class, white, heterosexual women. Most of her advice is geared towards women in organizations who already have some power. Therefore, it's hard to take a lot of the advice to heart. Some of her research is also lacking in that she fails to report counter findings that disprove her overall point. Moreover, she'll make a valid argument and in the next sentence go completely against it! (Very frustrating!) I would rather give this book 2.5

Picked this book up to see how one of the most influential women see the workplace, based on her data women are paid less, than men. That is generalizing. But I like the idea a world where men and women are respected for their own choices. It should be objectively discussed based on skills not on gender.

About the author

SHERYL SANDBERG served as chief operating officer at Meta (previously called Facebook), overseeing the firm's business operations. Prior to Meta, Sheryl was vice president of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google, chief of staff for the United States Treasury Department under President Clinton, a management consultant with McKinsey & Company, and an economist with the World Bank.
 
Sheryl received a BA summa cum laude from Harvard University and an MBA with highest distinction from Harvard Business School.
 
Sheryl is the co-author of Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy with Wharton professor and bestselling author Adam Grant. She is also the author of the bestsellers Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead and Lean In for Graduates. She is the founder of the Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to build a more equal and resilient world through two key initiatives, LeanIn.Org and OptionB.Org. Sheryl serves on the boards of Meta, the Walt Disney Company, Women for Women International, ONE, and SurveyMonkey.