Stereotypes In Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In

Women in management have to deal with prejudices, bias and stereotypes about job related emotional behavior. Sheryl Sandberg says “Our stereotype of men holds that they are providers, decisive and driven. Our stereotypes of women hold that they are caregivers, sensitive and communal.” (40). A man’s scolding to his subordinates is generally recognized and appreciated for his leadership and aggressive nature whereas women’s burst is criticized. Her assertiveness is considered in contrast to her traditional image and hence is a sign of disrespect whereas men’s behavior shows involvement. Even women don’t negotiate as much as men but Sheryl believes that women can enter these negotiations with the knowledge that showing concern for the common good,
Her memoirs repeatedly forecast the need and importance of sharing equal responsibility in any partnership. She emphasizes the support required both at personal and professional front. Sandberg fell in love with Dave Goldberg and married in 2004. She struggled a lot during her pregnancy and the birth of her first child in 2005. It’s at this stage that she saw many women dropping out of workforce, but she decided to lean in. Dave’s death was a great personal loss to her. Few days after his death she wrote on face book page “Dave was my rock. When I got upset, he stayed calm. When I was worried, he said it would be OK. When I wasn’t sure what to do, he figured it
She feels as this is something which is going to befall on us. As long as women do more of housework and childcare, women will disproportionately hurt both at workplace expectations and parenting expectations. Overworking can be downright dangerous. In reply Sandberg says, “We need to strike a chord and keep the balance.” In the chapter “Seek and Speak Your Truth” she expresses people to be open and honest in their approach as it sends a “powerful signal to others” (86). She adds that humor can be used as an amazing tool to convey your message in good-natured way. She was able to answer a question asked in a humorous manner by a colleague at Google, “Why do you hate me?” She asked why he would make that joke, which gave him a chance to explain in a way she was able to hear. She reiterates that although crying at work is not appreciated yet there are occasions when you can’t stop yourself and you need to seek the truth. In such situations sharing emotions develop understanding and strengthen your relationships and commitment to your work. She advocates that “ Maybe someday shedding tears in the workplace will no longer be viewed as embarrassing or weak, but as simple display of authentic emotion”