Gannett Co., Inc. (GCI), Facebook Inc (FB): “Lean In,” Women’s Work Is Still Never Done

A great deal of the book advocates bringing men to the kitchen table; in other words, truly pushing for more equitable partnerships in the “life” part of the work/life balance. In fact, a great deal of the book quite honestly places some of the onus on women to more boldly tackle the issues. How often do women not quite trust their better halves to take care of children?

Sandberg also suggests solutions. Flexible work schedules and other supportive workplace measures could bring more steps in the right direction so that women don’t have to completely lean out. It’s not all bad news by any stretch.

What does this have to do with investing? More than you think. Sandberg also mentioned the cognitive diversity I’ve often cited in my pieces about why more companies need women in many capacities. As Sandberg says: “The laws of economics and many studies of diversity tell us that if we tapped the entire pool of human resources and talent, our collective performance would improve. Legendary investor Warren Buffett has stated generously that one of the reasons for his great success was that he was competing with only half of the population.” (My colleague LouAnn Lofton wrote an entire book on how Warren Buffett Invests Like a Girl.)

Sandberg also quoted Alice Walker: “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” She also begs women to ask themselves: “What would I do if I weren’t afraid? And go do it.”

That’s universally good advice, which is why Sandberg’s book is a good choice for summer vacation beach reading — and serious soul-searching.

The article “Lean In”: Women’s Work Is Still Never Done originally appeared on Fool.com.

Alyce Lomax has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Facebook and lululemon athletica (NASDAQ:LULU). The Motley Fool owns shares of Facebook and JPMorgan.

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