I’ve recently finished reading “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg, I am also reading Paolo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” and “Thrive” by Arianna Huffington. These books all share a motivational tone, spinning it to their own unique tunes. Since these are the books to have picked me up out of a somewhat motivational slump, I thought it would be worthwhile to write a little bit about them and why they’ve struck a cord with me.
Having spent the majority of this month working away from university, “Lean In” has given me the energy and desire to work with more intent and seek opportunity where I otherwise may have remained complacent. While Sheryl (COO of Facebook) excels in her career her advice rings true for us all, regardless of our position in the workplace.
In “Lean In” Sandberg urges women to step forward into their careers and overcome the “internal obstacles” which often separate men and women on the career “jungle gym”. Sandberg explores the gender differences both in how men and women seek to further their careers and in the contrasting receptions of these actions. This is supported throughout by an array of research findings on the matter; the most disturbing ( in my opinion) being that success and likeability are negatively correlated for women, while the opposite is true for their male counterparts. In combining personal anecdotes, those of friends and other business professionals with such hard-hitting research, Sheryl creates a rich reading experience while also relating often uncomfortable truths. This book is an accessible approach to serious disparities within the workplace, utilizing a non-threatening and constructive tone. The insight into Sheryl’s life both professional and personal inspires me to do more and be more.
I borrowed Arianna Huffington’s “Thrive” from a friend, hoping to find a book to continue the feeling of opportunity brought about by “Lean In”. Immediately this account of one woman’s journey to success feels different. While hard work and grit are common traits to both of these authors and business women, Huffington chooses to focus her book on a new approach to work which Sandberg touches on. Thrive is an account of Arianna’s experience of the “Third Metric” of success, an idea she credits to her mother. She outlines four pillars, to which she dedicates each section of her book: well-being, wisdom, wonder and giving. I’m excited to get into this book, which I think will be somewhat of a contrast to Sandberg’s very action charged “call to arms”. It is however, important to acknowledge the common theme of female empowerment that runs throughout both texts. Huffington differentiates between a masculine model of success; whereby achievement is often charted by burnout and the first two metrics of success (money and power) and the coming of a female-driven third metric. Arianna believes that this will ultimately benefit both men and women in allowing individuals to re-connect with themselves by taking time to disconnect from what can feel like a round-the-clock workload, as Sandberg quotes previous boss Larry Kanarek; (work) “… will never stop making demands on your time” it is therefore up to us to “decide what we are willing to do”. As Huffington and Sandberg both agree that time away from work can improve both productivity and quality of work, alongside personal well-being and health.
Taking a lighter tone to the aforementioned books, I have also revisited ‘The Alchemist’ by Paolo Coelho. I see this more as ‘bedtime reading’: while Sandberg urges me to work harder, Coello’s writing brings me a sense of peace. The novella speaks of the importance of following your dreams, and as whimsical as that may seem, I believe we all need to indulge in this once in a blue moon.
In the coming weeks I also hope to dip into “A History of Venice” by John Julius Norwich in preparation for my trip to Venice. This again marks a contrast to my current reading, which I welcome, Venice has always fascinated me and it will be interesting to learn about its history. I’ve been wanting to expand my knowledge of world history, and with summer school in Venice just around the corner, this couldn’t have come at a better time!
I’d love to hear about your current reads and your thoughts on any of the books I’ve read!
Happy reading
– M, x
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