Women Leaders – Lean In

Wednesday, October 16, 2013 2:22 PM by Betty Brennan in Professional and Industry Tips


Facebook’s COO, Sheryl Sandberg wrote the book, Lean In. She encourages women to not hold back and to push past their fears. A friend encouraged me to read it so we could discuss it. I wouldn’t have without that encouragement because I think I do “lean in.” After reading the book, I did find it surprising to learn the statistics and read about some of the ways women hold back. The book has encouraged quite a few discussions.

Early exposure to gender roles is one of the interesting topics in the book we discussed. I was raised on a farm. My parents were traditional in the sense that my mom worked at home and was responsible for the home and my dad was responsible for the farm. Yet my mom was often doing farm work, too. I gravitated toward the farm work. I became my dad’s helper and hung with the boys. I drove tractors, fixed fences, fed the livestock and was outside as much as possible. However, I don’t think I was taught as much about farming as the boys. That does disappoint me, but maybe being raised this way gave me no fear of hanging with the boys and being a bit different than the other girls. Looking back, how do you think the way your parents divided things up shaped your thoughts about your future?

Sandberg’s view of gender and leadership has piqued questions in my mind which my friend and I have also discussed. Are women dissuaded from pursuing their goals and becoming leaders? Are boys encouraged? I don’t think I was discouraged or encouraged growing up. I was independent and went for what I wanted. However, when I was older and on my way, I did get support from a lot of men.

Before reading the book I wasn’t enthusiastic about it, because I held the misconception Sandberg would play the victim card. While that is not the case, I do think the opportunities are there if women grab them. However, this book did give me a different perspective. Statistics are the truth. Plus the ways women may be held back was a new perspective for me. Many close associates have said times have changed; women can do what they want now, but the discussions I am having with my successful women friends have us wondering if there still may be some roadblocks to more female leaders.

The book encourages an open dialogue about women in leadership positions. If all of us are involved in the discussion, it may open some new avenues and awareness. There is a discussion guide on the Lean In website. Why don’t you try a few and see if your perspective changes.

“The time is long overdue to encourage more women to dream the possible dream.”

“If I had to embrace a definition of success, it would be that success is making the best choices we can…and accepting them.”

Share this on social networks