See Jane Lead: 99 Ways for Women to Take Charge at Work

In her previous books Ms. Frankel tended to write from a negative viewpoint. She would say something like here are a hundred things you shouldn't do. She got tired of interviewers asking if she was advising women to be mean and nasty, some even used the dreaded 'B' word:[...] This time she has turned her writing around to the positive side and points out 99 things that women should do. What I found to be the best two chapters in the book are towards the end. Chapter 8 is Women as Entrepreneurs. Early in the chapter she gives a short self-assessment test. It's pretty good, but I think leaves out two all important questions: 1. Can you stand to have anyone over you as a boss, and 2. In your own mind do you really have a choice or is this something you have to do. Most entrepreneurs I know would put the answer to these questions at the top of their decision tree. And then there's Chapter 9, Raising Our Daughters to Lead. Little girls are often taught that they fit professions like nurse, stewardess or something else that isn't at the top. But there's no reason they shouldn't be told that they should be the doctor, not the nurse, and if you want to work on an airplane, fly the damn thing, don't serve drinks.

Please note I bought the audio book. I have to admit that after only a few chapters I was verbally agreeing with the author. This book differentiates "management" from "leadership" in such an AWESOME way. There are a lot of truths in the book and it helped me "see the light" regarding my own professional experiences and mishaps. Because women are becoming a much larger force to be reckoned with in the workplace, times are a changin'. Other topics include "taking risks", how to be a leader, and it's very crafty for the author to have lots and lots of coaching tips through the entire book with references to other great resources (books). I think that women will be empowered and motivated by this book and will run out into the world and start leading in their professional lives instead of feeling like they have to conform to the old school way of corporate America. The truth in this matter is that Corporate America is changing (although rather slowly) and women are going to continue to take on leadership roles and have a lot to offer corporate America and offer a different and effective approach to leadership. This is not to say that a traditional man's approach is completely incorrect, but improvements can be made to increase productivity and motivation. This book is all about showing women they have the skills to lead people and manage businesses.

The feminization of leadership. What a fascinating concept! Are women finally poised to take over the driver's seat? In her easy, comfortable writing manner Dr. Frankel contends that changes in the world have precipitated the demise of the traditional "command & control" style of leadership; highly skilled and educated people want to be led not managed. The author makes many common sense connections which I must admit have never occurred to me. Naturally, the innate qualities that we possess as nurturers, caretakers and accommodators lend themselves to relationship building, but she takes it a step further by suggesting that relationship building is key to leadership. Another interesting tidbit - our biggest assets for attaining leadership, as opposed to men, are: flexibility, collaboration & multi-tasking. To gauge your own ability to lead, she offers in-depth self-assessment charts and specific coaching tips to achieve your goals. Sprinkled throughout the book are the personal experiences of successful women such as Mary Kay Ash and Debbie Fields. Dr. Frankel shares her experiences as well. I found it refreshing that she didn't sugarcoat her road to success; she candidly talks about her mistakes and self-doubts immediately creating a bond w/the reader. From my personal perspective, as the mother of two daughters and two granddaughters, I regard this book as required reading for parents and daughters alike. Dr. Frankel has numerous, insightful suggestions for parents that will subtly impact their daughters' futures to lead. If now is the perfect time in society for women to assume more leadership roles, then the timing of the release of Dr. Frankel's book to facilitate this end is perfect as well.

With "See Jane Lead", Lois Frankel has given women the knowledge to become effective leaders - both in their professional and personal lives. With her easy-to-read, down-to-earth style, Lois educates and coaches the reader, while sharing her own and other successful women's stories to guide one through the leadership maze. It is a practical guide that should be on every woman's desk or nightstand - regardless of her age. Whether in high school or in the corner office, I believe it will have a positive impact on the reader and empower her to take the lead.

Lois Frankel's books (NICE GIRLS DON'T GET THE CORNER OFFICE, NICE GIRLS DON'T GET RICH) have been significant in changing the way I do business. I no longer protect jerks, tilt my head when in a conversation, prove myself the miracle worker only to be expected to do the same again. I introduce myself by my full name and now naturally receive the respect I at one time could only give. Upon identifying my liabilities, these practical solutions became immediate triage to very real types of slow professional suicide. In SEE JANE LEAD, Dr. Frankel suggests how to transpose our assets as women into effective leadship techniques in the workplace. This book is about strategy (even how to use those vaulable lessons from high school cheerleading) and how to hone and focus those assets to lead the pack. Though not always a comfortable read, (really, what type of serious and effective self examination ever is?), the goal is how to help women maximize their effectiveness as leaders. So, Dr. Frankel, thank you. You've done it again.