Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook Implores Women to Take Charge

There is no doubt that Sheryl Sandberg is a remarkably successful woman. At this year’s World Economic Forum in Switzerland, she encouraged women around the world to take charge of their careers, as The New York Times reports in “The $1.6 Billion Woman, Staying on Message.”

 You would think Facebook’s second in command would have plenty on her plate what with that recent public offering and all. However, she obviously realizes the unique position she is in; she is using her powers for good. Journalists Nicole Perlroth and Clare Cain Miller write:

 “Ms. Sandberg sees herself as more than an executive at one of the hottest companies around — more, too, than someone who will soon rank among the few self-made billionaires who are women. She sees herself as a role model for women in business and technology. In speeches, she often urges women to ‘keep your foot on the gas pedal,’ and to aim high.”  

The lady’s message is resonating. Her speeches (here and here) on YouTube have had over 200,000 hits and have been incorporated into business classes at Stanford and Harvard.

Some question Sandberg’s message, however, with two related points. First, they say, she has benefitted from near supernatural luck and does not understand the challenges mere mortal women face. Secondly, they accuse her of a version of “blame the victim;” her message that women should take responsibility for their careers and stop blaming men for their failures misses the point, they say. They charge that she discounts the difficulties other women face.

To these naysayers, I say this: first, I applaud anyone who has enjoyed such good fortune who is driven to help and inspire others. Would you want others to hold it against you if you were so lucky? Sounds a tiny bit like jealousy to me.

As for the idea that Sandberg is being too harsh on women who find themselves in difficult situations, I say her critics are the ones missing the point. Yes, women face many disadvantages in our careers. However, those circumstances are not changing quickly, and we have to work within reality. In order to get anywhere, we must accept that life is not fair and push as hard and as smartly as we can. Excuses, even if valid, do not build a successful career.

Cynthia Murrell, February 08, 2012