Lean On

Is It Just ME, or are you, too, curious about Sheryl Sandberg’s new book, “Lean In”?

On just its second day, it has already been slammed – by women!

Categorized as a Feminist Manifesto, the book , which will become a best-seller, despite the negativity surrounding it - has me wondering…

First, let me say I haven’t read the book; not sure that I will.  What leaves me wondering is why Sheryl Sandberg is “being hated” (not my words!) for what the book represents and for the success story she is.
At 43, Ms. Sandberg has been named among “The Top 5 Most Powerful Women in the World (Forbes), almost reached bbbbbillionaire status, is raising two children…….come on girls, we’re talking “uber-successful” here.  Let’s show her some love.

The reaction to her book may actually prove the very point Sheryl (if I may be so familiar) is trying to make in the book.  WOMEN ARE TOUGH ON WOMEN…do I see lightbulbs….?  WOMEN FOCUS ON THE WRONG THINGS!

Why can’t we appreciate that she, and other dedicated, committed, talented, SMART women have proven “it” can be done – if we want it.  AND, if we don’t, don’t hate those who do and are working hard to be their own success story.

All the critics I have read are women! They are all slamming the book.  Does Sheryl Sandberg owe you – or anyone – anything? Does HER success diminish YOU in any way?  OR, is Ms. Sandberg correct in saying we (women) are more concerned about “being liked” (by other women) than in finding enough self-motivation so as not to need to care about such things. THEN, we use that very reason (subconsciously, of course) as the actual reason success is impossible for us to attain.

Come on, now, no authentic coin has two heads!

I may never meet Sheryl Sandberg, though I do hold-out the possibility of having the pleasure.  But, I like her; I really like her.  I appreciate that she has raised the bar, broken through the glass-ceiling  - use your catch-phrase of choice - and proven “it” is possible.  In so doing, we should appreciate the example she has set, the hope see provides, and the perspective that she generously shares.

Stop blaming others for what you haven’t done.  Be accountable.  Be proud of this – and other women – who reach the apex of their career, realize their dreams and support others in doing the same.  Stop being jealous!  It’s old, it’s been done and if you are still playing that card, you’ve proven that being jealous of another’s success does nothing to help you find your own.

Are we all destined to be billionaires?  No!

Are we all wired to run a major global company?  No!

Can we all realize “Amazonian” success?  Well, YES!  The possibility is there and we all have the right to define it as we choose  -  then go find it.

SO, how do you spell Amazonian?

We all also have the right to sit back, do nothing, criticize those who do, and find reason after reason to not even try.  Your choice!

Please, celebrate women who succeed.  Be happy for them; be proud of them.  Learn to “lean on” their success to find the path to your own.  There are so many women willing to help you arrive.  I think (and I hope) that’s what Ms. Sandberg was hoping to do: to motivate other women, to encourage them, and to generously share the path on which she traveled to find her success.

If you never read the book, fine, but, you might just want to give a copy of it to your daughter(s).
So, IS IT JUST ME – please say “NO”

Hey, Sheryl, call me. (Maybe?)

I want to say “thanks”!