Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg, can now scratch “write a book” off her bucket list. Her upcoming book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, is slated for release in March 2013. However, some people are wondering if Sandberg will still be at Facebook by the time the book tour starts. Rumors are running rampant that Sandberg will leave Facebook for a government position, despite her numerous statements to the contrary.
In this autobiography, Sandberg shares her experiences as a successful professional woman and encourages other women to follow suit. According to AllFacebook, Sandberg’s overlying theme is that workplace equality is still a goal. She wrote it to help women shoot for the top of their field and to help men understand women’s role in the workforce. Readers have plenty to learn from the uber-successful Sandberg.
You Don’t Need to Wait for the Book
Sandberg has long been a supporter of women professionals. She’s openly given advice during interviews and online Q&A sessions. While the book digs deeper into Sandberg’s own success and offers more fleshed-out advice, her top tips are readily available. Sandberg says it’s crucial to believe in your own ability.
It doesn’t matter if your dream is to own a company that provides heat pumps installation Lancaster residents require or create the next social media giant. Sandberg says there’s no difference between succeeding in tech field or in arts, government, or labor. However, she notes that women in the sciences are especially prone to doubting themselves.
Whatever You Think is Right
A recurring theme in Sandberg’s book is that women buy into what they’re told. The tech field is largely dominated by men, and it’s stereotyped as an arena where men are generally better than women. Sandberg says that believing in a myth or stereotype is what makes it true. Unfortunately, this often begins at a young age.
Young girls are told, either overtly or subconsciously, that the sciences aren’t for them. This builds the foundation for a professional woman who shies away from the world of technology. Sandberg also notes that women, who are the predominant caregivers, often feel guilty for prioritizing family instead of work. She makes a point to always leave the office by 5:30.
Sandberg’s Next Step
Sandberg is adamant that she loves her job and that she’s staying at Facebook. However, she can’t shake off the rumors of her impending departure. Many experts are guessing that Sandberg will take a job with the Obama administration if the President is re-elected. She has a background working for Democratic administrations.
She’s a familiar face, and her passion seems to be advocating for women in business and not necessarily Facebook. The social media giant also took a recent hit when it went public at $100 billion and is now valued at half that amount. Sandberg took the company from a floundering promise in 2008 to an unprecedented profitable company. The upcoming election may sway Sandberg’s own future career.
