Sheryl Sandberg is a role model for many women. As the chief operating officer of Facebook she is not only rich but powerful…so powerful that she’s become “a regular” on lists like Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business.

But some still ask, why is she labeled as a powerful woman in business and sometimes seemingly separated from the men?

Of course, Sandberg is a role model for both male and female business leaders and entrepreneurs, but in her book Lean In, she firmly positions herself as a champion of women, and seeks to help women leverage their business. She is certainly a thought leader on the subject, but part of her book’s buzz surrounds the unique way she sees the issue. Many have offered reviews of praise, labeling her work a piece of genius, while others don’t “lean” as heavily toward her line of thinking.

We want to know what you think.

Not familiar with Sandberg and her book? Let us summarize the basics with a mini book synopsis, chapter by chapter.

Lean In Chapter Notes:

1. The Leadership Ambition Gap – men strive to find success in career and personal life but Sandberg argues that some women don’t believe it is possible for them to do both. She says this is because of fear, and asks what women would do if they weren’t afraid.
2. Sit at the Table – the central theme of this chapter is confidence. Sandberg says that some women are less confident than men, and are more likely to suffer from the “imposter syndrome.” She says women need to act confident, even when they don’t feel it – “fake it until you make it.”
3. Success and Likeability – using both studies and personal experience, Sandberg explains how successful women are perceived as being less likeable than successful men. She offers advice on how women can make the best of this situation, rather than trying to change the system. Do you agree with Sandberg?
4. It’s a Jungle Gym, Not a Ladder – Sandberg redraws the metaphorical corporate ladder by describing it as a jungle gym, i.e. where there are many different routes to the top.
5. Are You My Mentor? – Sandberg discusses the importance of getting a mentor and gives advice on how to get the most from the relationship. Do you have a mentor?
6. Seek and Speak Your Truth – this chapter details the importance of always telling the truth, and encouraging others to do the same.
7. Don’t Leave before you Leave – Sandberg claims that some women too often plan for family life too far in advance, according to Sandberg. This leads to them declining promotions, for example, if they are planning to have a baby in the near future. Sandberg says this is the wrong approach. What do you think?
8. Make Your Partner a Real Partner – Sandberg discusses the importance of women having a genuine home-life partnership with their husband or partner. Do you think a relationship like this is crucial to success?
9. The Myth of Doing it All – society doesn’t seem to believe that women be successful in business and spend time with their family in the same way that men can. Sandberg discusses how women should approach this misconception.
10. Let’s Start Talking About It – Sandberg says there is no point pretending that gender inequality doesn’t exist, and that part of the solution is talking about it. What do you have to say on the topic?
11. Working Together Toward Equality – in this chapter Sandberg doesn’t focus on the traditional men versus women debate, but instead the issue of women looking down on women. In particular, stay-at-home-mom-type-women being critical, however passively, about women with careers. She says that women can actually be perpetrators of sexism, and that needs to stop. Do you feel the same?

Sandberg’s Lean In has been accredited as a powerful analysis for women in business and leadership roles, and details how to improve some of the issues that lead to inequality. Women, do you agree? Men, how about you? Regardless of whether everyone agrees on all of Sandberg’s theories and statements, we believe talking about it and using it as a catalyst for discussion is one of its greatest benefits. Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Here’s to even more successful women in the work place, regardless of how they get there.

Sincerely,