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3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Readable, practical and inspiriing Dec 21, 2009
By Jeffrey Arnold
Lynn Harris has written an easy to read and thoroughly useful analysis of the forces in play in many organizations today that affect both men and women. She provides insight as to why women are disadvantaged by these forces, what the chances for change are, and most importantly what to do about it. Although written for an audience of women, men can also benefit from Harris's insights for themselves and the women they work with. The professional development chapters are useful to everyone with leadership aspirations.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Timely and Relevant Mar 24, 2010
By J. Chapman
"J Chapman"
This book is a great read, covering the aspects of the way organisations currently work that are sustaining the glass ceiling and providing food for thought on the choices women have as a result.
I found the book extremely valuable; providing practical tools and suggestions as to how to succeed within the 'unwritten rules', as well as thought provoking insights of women who have forged their own path that are relevant as I consider my future career path and ambitions. Its the first time I have seen such valuable and practical writing on this topic that clearly articulates the 'rules', and puts the choices we have out there for discussion and reflection.
I would recommend this book to any current or aspiring female (and indeed male) leaders who are looking to understand the dynamics at play in organisations today what they can do to increase their success as leaders.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
CHANGING THE GAME Jan 09, 2010
By GIRLPHYTE
For many smart women (and men) career insights come late in the game - once they've unglued themselves from their Blackberry's and laptops, raised their heads, and realized to their horror that burying oneself in doing "MY BEST WORK 24/7" hasn't translated into career recognition. Shocking,yes,but true.
Harris' book is a gem, making the rules of career snakes and ladders clear. She outlines in clean crisp prose how to develop the verbal and behavioural poise to navigate deep waters.
Unwritten Rules should be part of the academic curriculum to spare graduates the pain of decoding what "they say" and what "it" means. Until that day, which will never come, buy it for someone who deserves a leg up - you. GIRLPHYTE
"Where are all the women?" Jan 05, 2011
By Robert Morris
The question I selected for the title of my review is not being asked by anyone familiar with enrollment statistics for colleges, universities, and graduate schools at which women comprise a steadily increasing majority. Rather, it is asked when men as well as women review the latest data on the number of women who occupy C-level positions and who serve on governing boards. Lynn Harris has written a book in which she provides "what women need to know about leading in today's organizations."
She carefully organizes her material within three Parts: First, she explains why there are so few women at the top of organizations by revealing " critical information that women need to know about today's organizational environments." (Note: The book was published within the past year, lest you were wondering. Her insights and recommendations are based on recent as well as extensive research.) Next, she suggests several pragmatic solutions "about how women need to develop themselves to progress within this context and how to succeed within the unwritten rules that show little sign of changing." Of course the rules to which she refers are unwritten. In an increasingly more litigious society, many of the rules violate one or more laws. Then in Part Three, she provides a stimulating "exploration" into the worlds of women who have become "corporate refugees," who have left their traditional organizational jobs to "express their leadership capabilities in different arenas." More than half of those interviewed left leadership positions in large corporation s to start their own businesses. "The common thread that unites them all is that they confronted their dissatisfaction and created positive change in their livers."
Many business books published in recent years have focused on women who are included among what I view as "celebrity CEOs." In 2005, for example, Fortune identified and celebrated Meg Whitman (eBay), Anne Mulcahy (Xerox), Brenda Barnes (Sara Lee), Oprah Winfrey (Harpo), Andrea Jung (Avon), and Pat Woertz (Chevron). With all due respect to what these and other prominent female CEOs have achieved, Harris identifies and (yes) celebrates others...most of whose names are unfamiliar to most of those who read this book. I admire Harris for doing so and I also admire Sue Van Der Hout, Susan Mey, Barbara Laskin, Susan Macaulay, Linda Ward O'Farrell, Zelma Guzman, Rebecca Stewart, and others who summoned the courage to re-write the "rules" by which they would live and work, thereby changing the "game" in ways and to an extent that will serve as a beacon of hope as well as an illumination of perils to countless others.
One final point: Men as well as women can be victimized by the unwritten rules that are identified in this book. It is in everyone's best interests to expose the inequities and indignities they nourish and sustain. As Lynn Harris makes abundantly clear, these are not gender issues to be addressed; rather, they involve human rights that must be affirmed. If denied to anyone, they are compromised for everyone.
1 of 3 found the following review helpful:
It's here! Dec 11, 2009
By Susan Macaulay
Great book based on extensive research. Easy to read. Full of insightful strategies, advice and tips for women who either want to make it in the corporate world or strike out on their own. Highly recommend!
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