Book Review: "How Remarkable Women Lead" By Joanna Barsh & Susie Cranston
A good read about women in leadership that is based on five years of research from two McKinsey & Co consultants, Joanna Barsh & Susie Cranston. The research involved interviewing over 100 women leaders and the insights gained led them to identify five dimensions to their success:
Meaning – what inspires women leaders, guides and sustains them to enable them to lead in profound ways
Framing – the way in which the best leaders are able to assess situations and move ahead without getting caught in downward spirals
Connecting – networking, collaborating, making meaningful connections to smooth the path forward
Engaging – tackling challenges and not being afraid of risks; being heard
Energizing – how to manage personal energy levels to be at your best when you have to be
The book shares numerous stories direct from women leaders, predominantly in a corporate environment, about what it takes to rise to the top as well as how to recover from setbacks. All five dimensions make sense to me and based on my work coaching senior women leaders I would argue that the ability to positively frame situations and stay energized are two key areas that women often struggle with. Framing in particular, once mastered, can really unlock personal potential.
I encourage you to read the book if you enjoying learning how others have generated their success.