What does Lean In have to do with Delta Zeta?

Almost everyone I know is on Facebook. But, I’m sure, far fewer of them are familiar with the story of Sheryl Sandberg, the chief operating officer of the company. If you are a female, about to enter the workforce, or considering changing the path your career is taking, then you need to know about Sandberg and at least do a search for her book, Lean In: Women, work, and the will to lead. There was a lot of press surrounding the release of her book, and the basic message of how women hold themselves back in their careers caused some stir in the business world. One of the biggest underlying themes which I took away from Sandberg’s book was the importance of not only mentors, but sponsors in a young woman’s work life.

The idea of a person, male or female, who is committed to making sure you achieve your goals isn’t new. I have another great leadership book on my shelf right now by Steve Farber called Greater Than Yourself: The ultimate lesson of true leadership in which he discusses that the greatest leaders go above and beyond to make sure that they elevate someone else to be better than they themselves are. But the idea of a female business leader, like Sandberg, discussing and crediting her success to the assistance of others is typically unheard of. I mean, how good is a leadership book if that person didn’t achieve, create or develop it completely on their own? Really though, some women leaders are afraid to tip their hand and show their cards by admitting they achieved success with the help of others. Lean In provides a great example of how one female credits her achievements to a variety of specific steps, among which mentoring and sponsorship take center stage.

Delta Zeta members should realize the amazing connections which exist because of their membership: and I don’t just mean the sisters who will be your bridesmaids kinds of connections. Don’t be afraid to ask a sister for career help, even one that you’ve never met before. You are part of a network of over 240,000 initiated members, collegiate and alumnae. Delta Zeta has members who live all over the world. We have over 260 alumnae chapters and a chapter association for every one of our 298 collegiate chapters (open or closed). Not only that, but members expect to use our Delta Zeta network in their careers.

For those members on Linked In, the largest career-focused social network, find Delta Zeta’s Alumnae Group, and begin to take advantage of the connections that Delta Zeta offers you. Your sisters are there discussing relevant job topics and you might just find a potential mentor or sponsor as you take your next career steps.