Are you ready to Lean In?

Have you purchased a copy of Lean In?  Mine is on the way.  The book – and its messages – is already causing a stir.  The backlash?  In a nutshell, so-called normal women (not billionaires) are asking Sandberg not to speak for them.  And, women are still blaming men for holding them back.

I think these women are wrong.  Take a step back.  Think of it differently, please.

Many women (especially working mothers) believe the career advice is DIFFERENT for the wealthy.  They believe the issues are different because you can afford a full-time nanny, housekeeper or other necessities that supposedly make life easier.

If you had an entourage, a successful career and billion dollar fortune, do you think you would feel LESS guilty about leaving kids with someone else?

If you had an entourage, do you think you would be OK missing important school events?  Missing “firsts” like walking and talking? 

If you had an entourage, do you think you would earn more money?  Be better at your job?  More successful in your career?

I don’t.  I do not for one second believe an entourage would eradicate my guilt for missing “firsts”, missing important life events, doing homework, being there when someone is sick, etc.

An entourage would also not make me more successful.  

The only one holding me back (if I am being held back) is me.

I spent 14 years in the Boardroom – designing executive compensation programs for Fortune 500, private, pre-IPO, startup and not-for-profit companies.  I saw lots of women AND men in action.  I helped recommend pay programs and packages for thousands of people.

And I learned one important lesson: men are NOT holding women back.  Women are holding women (or themselves) back.  Men play the game better.  Men expect more while women are thankful.  Men tout their performance better while women wonder if they did enough or how they could have done better.

Personality is critical in this scenario.  Because how we perceive ourselves is how others perceive us.  And how others perceive us impacts our compensation and ability to progress.

So don’t blame Sheryl.  Try it.  Lean In.  

Are you ready to Lean In?