QuoteProject
As women get more powerful, they get less likable. I see women holding themselves back because of this, but if we start talking about the success-likability penalty women face, then we can do something about it.
Sheryl Sandberg
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Women often face social penalties for being powerful, leading them to limit their success.

This quote by Sheryl Sandberg highlights the societal challenges that powerful women encounter, particularly that their assertiveness and success can lead to decreased likability. It suggests that recognizing and discussing this 'success-likability penalty' can empower women to embrace their capabilities and push against societal expectations that hold them back.

Themes

WomenPowerLikabilitySuccessSociety

In practice

Example use cases

During a leadership seminar focused on women's empowerment, this quote can be used to discuss the challenges women face in high positions.

More from Sheryl Sandberg

When woman work outside the home and share breadwinning duties, couples are more likely to stay together. In fact, the risk of divorce reduces by about half when a wife earns half the income and a husband does half the housework.
Sheryl SandbergRead
We can each define ambition and progress for ourselves. The goal is to work toward a world where expectations are not set by the stereotypes that hold us back, but by our personal passion, talents and interests.
Sheryl SandbergRead
Don't be afraid to ask the 'dumb' question, everyone else will be relieved you had the guts to ask!
Sheryl SandbergRead
In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.
Sheryl SandbergRead
Being confident and believing in your own self-worth is necessary to achieving your potential.
Sheryl SandbergRead
I am a bigger-picture manager because I've lived through something that's a big picture.
Sheryl SandbergRead

Similar quotes

The one thing I would say is, I do think women are evaluated differently than men. How we look, what is our age? Do you see a ton of 55-year-old women in sports television? No. But there are men in their 60s and 70s across many networks who are still in sports television.
Doris BurkeRead
Women will be no longer made the slaves of, or dependent upon men ... They will be equal in education, rights, privileges and personal liberty.
Robert OwenRead
Until mothers earn their livings, women will not
Charlotte Perkins GilmanRead
Men think it's a women's word. But what it means is that you believe in equality, and if you stand for equality, then you're a feminist. Sorry to tell you. You're a feminist. You're a feminist. That's it.
Emma WatsonRead
All my battles were with male egos. I’m just looking for equality, not to dominate. But I want to be able to control my vision.
Joni MitchellRead
There is nothing of greater importance to the well-being of society at large - of man as well as woman - than the true proper position of woman.
Lucretia MottRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.