Lois P. Frankel

Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel is a highly acclaimed self-help book that aims to guide women in overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors that hinder their career success. Frankel, a leading executive coach, draws upon her vast experience in helping women advance in the workplace and provides valuable insights into the common mistakes that hold women back.

Overview

Frankel's book is a comprehensive guide that addresses the various workplace challenges women face and offers practical strategies to navigate and overcome them. By identifying behavioral and communication patterns that hinder success, Frankel equips women with the tools they need to break the glass ceiling and reach their full potential.

Key Points / Ideas

1. Break the "Nice Girl" stereotype: Frankel challenges the notion that being nice is a prerequisite for success. She argues that women often prioritize being liked over being respected, leading to them being taken less seriously in professional settings. By providing actionable advice on being assertive, setting boundaries, and negotiating effectively, Frankel empowers women to shed the "nice girl" persona. 2. Develop executive presence: Frankel emphasizes the importance of cultivating executive presence, a combination of appearance, communication style, and confidence that commands respect and attention. She offers practical tips on body language, vocal tone, and professional attire to help women project authority and credibility. 3. Enhance communication skills: Frankel highlights the significance of effective communication in career advancement. She addresses common communication pitfalls that women encounter, such as using uncertain language, speaking too softly, or apologizing excessively. With concrete advice and real-life examples, Frankel guides women towards stronger and more assertive communication. 4. Master the art of self-promotion: The author highlights the importance of self-promotion in career progression. She encourages women to take credit for their accomplishments and communicate their value to others. By providing strategies for showcasing expertise and navigating office politics, Frankel enables women to advocate for themselves and seize opportunities for growth. 5. Develop a strong professional network: Frankel stresses the significance of building and nurturing professional relationships. She offers guidance on networking, mentoring, and sponsoring, demonstrating how these connections can open doors and provide valuable support throughout one's career. Throughout the book, Frankel augments her insights with real-life examples, research findings, and anecdotes from her coaching practice. These evidence-based anecdotes serve to validate and reinforce her arguments, making them relatable and actionable for women in various professional settings.

Conclusion

Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office is an essential read for women seeking to navigate the challenges of the workplace and achieve professional success. Frankel's practical strategies, supported by evidence and real-life examples, empower women to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors and break through the barriers holding them back. By shedding light on issues such as the "nice girl" syndrome and providing tools for effective communication and self-promotion, Frankel equips women with the skills they need to thrive in their careers. Readers who want to delve deeper into this topic may find additional value in books like Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg or The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman.