I did and we also bought copies for our women's network when it came out. Loved the research based perspective and some of the concepts still stick with us as a group - particularly seat at the table, jungle gym careers, don't leave before you leave, and choosing the right partner.
It has also served to change the conversation among male and female employees in regard to gender diversity. The conversation is fundamentally different now than it was when the book came out....now, we have done a lot above and beyond reading / discussing Lean In, but still, Sheryl helped us.
I love the empowering message in the books and really enjoy hearing about others' lean in moments.
Heartbreaking that her husband passed so suddenly.
Oh also, we have a few Lean In circles that have popped up across our firm and they have been nothing but awesome for our employees that have participated.
I was in the toxic environment I mentioned above and felt negative about the message overall. I would probably have a different opinion of the book now that my work place is so different but I really think you need the right environment to lean in. If you don't work someplace with the support systems in place, no amount of leaning in will get you further up the ladder.
I TOTALLY get you on the toxic environment. In my situation, there is no point in Leaning In to my organization. So instead I'm leaning in to other parts of my career in hopes of bettering my chances for other opportunities down the line. Hopefully I don't lean too far and topple over...
I haven't because I assumed it wouldn't apply to me, as a SAHM whose partner's career makes it damn near impossible to lean in, especially when we have kids.
But then I saw her TED Talk and I really liked her personality and thought I should read the book anyway. But I haven't gotten around to it yet.
I haven't read it and I always feel like a career slacker b/c I honestly don't want to lean in these days. Maybe in a few years I'll re-evaluate, but right now I'm pretty content with just staying where I am.
I feel shameful saying that, but it's honestly true.
There is no real ladder for me to climb unless I stop freelancing. So, I haven't read it. I'm fairly happy just taking on projects that I find interesting and getting some public recognition for a job well done every once in a while.
The most exciting thing to me about this thread is HoneySpider's news. Congratulations!
I loved it. I read it right before changing my career. It didn't tell us anything earth shattering, but I don't think that was the point. The point was to motivate and commiserate.