How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

Last updated: Aug 23, 2023

Summary of How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith is a comprehensive guide that explores the common behaviors and habits that hold women back in their careers and provides practical strategies to overcome these obstacles and achieve success.

The book begins by addressing the unique challenges that women face in the workplace, such as the double bind, where women are often criticized for being too assertive or too passive. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses in order to navigate these challenges effectively.

One of the key insights of the book is the concept of the "12 habits that hold women back." These habits include reluctance to claim achievements, overvaluing expertise, expecting others to spontaneously notice and reward their contributions, and seeking perfection. The authors provide detailed explanations of each habit and offer practical tips and strategies to overcome them.

The book also highlights the importance of building strong relationships and networks, as well as the need for women to advocate for themselves and take risks. It emphasizes the power of feedback and the importance of seeking and accepting it in order to grow and develop professionally.

Throughout the book, the authors provide numerous real-life examples and anecdotes from successful women who have overcome these habits and achieved great success in their careers. These stories serve as inspiration and provide practical insights into how to apply the strategies outlined in the book.

Overall, How Women Rise is a comprehensive and practical guide that offers valuable advice and strategies for women looking to advance in their careers. It provides a roadmap for overcoming the common obstacles that women face and empowers women to take control of their own professional development.

1. The Importance of Building Relationships

In "How Women Rise," the authors emphasize the significance of building strong relationships in the workplace. They argue that women often focus more on their work and less on networking and building connections, which can hinder their career progression. By actively seeking out opportunities to connect with colleagues, mentors, and leaders, women can expand their network and gain access to valuable resources and opportunities. Building relationships also helps women establish their credibility and visibility within the organization, making it easier for them to advance in their careers.

The authors provide practical advice on how women can build relationships, such as attending networking events, joining professional organizations, and seeking out mentors. They also highlight the importance of maintaining these relationships by regularly checking in with colleagues, offering support, and showing genuine interest in their success. By prioritizing relationship-building, women can enhance their professional growth and increase their chances of success.

2. Overcoming the Perfectionism Trap

One of the key takeaways from "How Women Rise" is the need for women to overcome the perfectionism trap. The authors argue that women often hold themselves to impossibly high standards, constantly striving for perfection in their work. While this dedication and attention to detail can be valuable, it can also hold women back from taking risks and seizing opportunities.

The authors suggest that women should focus on progress rather than perfection. By embracing a growth mindset and being willing to learn from mistakes, women can overcome the fear of failure and take on new challenges. They also emphasize the importance of setting realistic goals and recognizing that perfection is not attainable. By letting go of the need to be perfect, women can free themselves to explore new possibilities and reach their full potential.

3. Advocating for Yourself

"How Women Rise" highlights the importance of self-advocacy in career advancement. The authors argue that women often hesitate to promote themselves and their accomplishments, which can hinder their visibility and recognition within the organization. They encourage women to actively advocate for themselves by sharing their achievements, seeking out opportunities for growth, and expressing their career aspirations.

The authors provide practical strategies for self-advocacy, such as preparing and delivering compelling narratives about their accomplishments, seeking feedback and recognition from colleagues and leaders, and actively pursuing opportunities for advancement. By advocating for themselves, women can ensure that their contributions are acknowledged and valued, increasing their chances of career progression.

4. Breaking Free from the "Good Girl" Syndrome

In "How Women Rise," the authors discuss the "good girl" syndrome, which refers to the tendency of women to conform to societal expectations and prioritize others' needs over their own. They argue that this behavior can limit women's career growth and prevent them from asserting themselves in the workplace.

The authors encourage women to break free from the "good girl" syndrome by setting boundaries, saying no when necessary, and prioritizing their own needs and goals. They emphasize the importance of self-care and assertiveness in career advancement. By challenging societal expectations and embracing their own ambitions, women can overcome the limitations imposed by the "good girl" syndrome and achieve greater success.

5. Embracing Risk-Taking

"How Women Rise" emphasizes the importance of embracing risk-taking as a means of career advancement. The authors argue that women often shy away from taking risks due to fear of failure or a desire to maintain control. However, they highlight that taking calculated risks is essential for growth and development.

The authors provide strategies for embracing risk-taking, such as reframing failure as a learning opportunity, seeking out challenging assignments, and stepping outside of comfort zones. They also emphasize the importance of building a support network and seeking feedback to navigate risks effectively. By embracing risk-taking, women can expand their skill set, gain new experiences, and open doors to new opportunities.

6. Developing Executive Presence

In "How Women Rise," the authors discuss the concept of executive presence and its importance in career advancement. They argue that women often underestimate the significance of projecting confidence, authority, and credibility in the workplace.

The authors provide practical advice on developing executive presence, such as improving communication skills, cultivating a strong personal brand, and demonstrating confidence in decision-making. They also emphasize the importance of body language, vocal tone, and overall demeanor in projecting executive presence. By developing executive presence, women can enhance their professional image and increase their influence within the organization.

7. Leveraging Feedback for Growth

"How Women Rise" emphasizes the importance of leveraging feedback for personal and professional growth. The authors argue that women often struggle to receive and act upon feedback, which can hinder their development and limit their career progression.

The authors provide strategies for effectively leveraging feedback, such as seeking feedback from multiple sources, actively listening and reflecting on feedback, and taking action to address areas for improvement. They also highlight the importance of creating a supportive feedback culture within the organization, where feedback is seen as a tool for growth rather than criticism. By embracing feedback and using it as a catalyst for growth, women can continuously improve their skills and advance in their careers.

8. Building a Supportive Network

In "How Women Rise," the authors emphasize the importance of building a supportive network to navigate career challenges and opportunities. They argue that women often face unique barriers and biases in the workplace, and having a strong support system can help them overcome these obstacles.

The authors provide strategies for building a supportive network, such as seeking out mentors and sponsors, joining affinity groups, and participating in professional development programs. They also highlight the importance of reciprocity in networking, where women actively support and uplift each other. By building a supportive network, women can gain access to valuable advice, guidance, and opportunities, increasing their chances of success.