What Works for Women at Work

December 9, 2013
Law professor Williams (Unbending Gender) and her daughter, Dempsey, a student at Yale Law School, share social psychology resources as well as insights from 127 members of the New Girls’ Network, a group of female executives, in order to elucidate four systemic trends that affect women in the workplace. “Prove-It-Again!” means that women must continually demonstrate their competence. “The Tightrope” is the challenge of being perceived as too masculine or too feminine, both of which can engage negative stereotypes. The “Maternal Wall” reflects the competing social roles of employee and mother. The “Tug of War” is the real or perceived hindrance of women in the workplace by one another. The authors effectively explore how gender bias affects women in different generations. Overall, the authors offer a two-pronged message to readers: 1) these issues are not your fault; 2) here’s what you can do to counteract the problem. In addition, an NSF-funded study allowed Williams to interview 60 female scientists of color to explore the intersection of gender and racial stereotype and bias. The book offers an accessible and sound model of problems faced by women climbing the corporate ladder, and presents clear strategies to take while waiting for business culture to catch up. Agent: Roger S. Williams, New England Publishing Assoc.

Starred review from February 15, 2014
This title is many steps beyond Lean In (2013), Sheryl Sandberg's prescription for getting ahead in business. What Works for Women at Work is filled with street-smart advice and plain old savvy about the way life works in corporate America. Law professor Williams teams up with her daughter to pen an insightful guide for women who want to break through the glass ceiling. It starts by identifying the four behavioral patterns of working women. One, called the Tug of War, describes feminine-versus-tomboy instincts. Another, Prove It Again, provides no recourse other than being smarter, sharper, and more successful more often than male counterparts. Culled from 127 in-depth interviews, the four behavioral patterns are described in detail and buttressed by anecdotes and examples as well as action plans that are pragmatic and frequently laced with humor. Sidebars like How to Be a Great Boss and notes on Michelle Obama's transformation make for an entertaining must-read. Our favorite quote, from the late Bella Abzug: Our struggle today is not to have a female Einstein get promoted as an assistant professor. It is for a woman schlemiel to get as quickly promoted as a male schlemiel. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)