Book Summary and Analysis of Lean In

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