Unless you have been living under a rock for the last week, you are well aware that Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg has a new book out called “Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead.” I do not take exception to the book which encourages women to be more assertive, aim for the stars, and never give up, but I am flabbergasted at the pose she allowed on the cover of Time Magazine.
Does anyone in power stand with their ankles crossed? Indeed, if Sandberg tried to “lean in” with her feet in that position, she would fall over like a tree blown over in hurricane Sandy. Before all the male readers chuckle, the favorite, equally weak, pose of men in these publications is standing at ease or at attention with hands crossed over their private parts in the traditional “fig leaf” position. I’ve always said, You can never tell if they are protecting, advertising, or have to use the rest room.
What were Time people thinking? And where was her publicist?! A basic rule of presenting is that there needs to be consistency between what you say and what you look like. If ever there was a mismatch in messaging between those two, it is the advocate for women’s leadership posed like a little girl who looks self-effacing, trying to be cute, or in need of the girl’s room.
If Sandberg had to be standing, she had other choices: weight on two feet, angled to the camera with her arms crossed, communicating confidence, authority, and success, a pose often seen in photos of successful women. Or, simply standing comfortably, balanced on both feet – ankles uncrossed – with arms at the side.
If you are going to “Lean In,” look like you mean it.
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