Lean in Book Review

North Toronto Collegiate Institute

Lean In: Book Review

Author: Sheryl Sandberg[pic 1]

Alya Fayoumy

Business Leadership- BOH4M

Ms. Konforte

April 4th, 2016

Alya Fayoumy

Lean In Book Review

About the Book:

“A truly equal world would be one where women ran half of our countries and companies and men ran half our homes” (7). Can you imagine a world where all the opportunities were equally split between both genders?

        In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg focuses on feminism and gender equality in the workforce with a whole new perspective. As Forbes fifth most powerful women in business she makes it her mission to mentor all women to reach their full potential, what ever it may be. At the same time, Sandberg is calling for action from all companies, organizations, governments, and countries to assure the success of half of the worlds population, women, through opportunities and accessibility to their needs such as “designated parking for expectant mothers at the front of each building” (4).

        Sandberg digs deeper into the issue by focusing on the solutions rather than the problem. She provides insightful lessons from her own experiences and teaches women how to negotiate, break boundaries, and reach the top. Through out the book, she focuses on “sitting at the table” (27), meaning that you choose your seat wisely during meetings so that you are a participant rather than a spectator, and gaining confidence. Furthermore, she addresses the concept of having it all. “Girls growing up today are the first generation to have equal opportunity… Many of these girls watched their mothers try to do it all and then decided that something had to give. That something was usually their careers” (15). Through the book, Sheryl Sandberg is able to get the lesson across to the readers that you can have a very happy life without giving up on a successful career.

Personal Response:

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” As I look back to my childhood, I can recall almost every family member friend, and teacher ask me about my aspirations for the future, and at the time I was clueless. Now, as my senior year approaches and I begin to choose the courses I will take during my final year attending high school, I begin to realize where my true passion lies. If a family member asks me today “what I want to be when I grow older” I will know the answer. After reading Lean In, I begin to understand that the key to success does not come in one format. Being successful means something different to each person, but for everyone it relies on being passionate, happy, and determined.