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I believe we have sent the wrong message to young women…

“I believe we have sent the wrong message to young women. We need to stop telling them, “Get a mentor and you will excel.” Instead, we need to tell them, “Excel and you will get a mentor.” quote by Sheryl Sandberg
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““I believe we have sent the wrong message to young women. We need to stop telling them, “Get a mentor and you will excel.” Instead, we need to tell them, “Excel and you will get a mentor.””

Sheryl Sandberg

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The current advice places mentorship before achievement, which can undermine confidence; instead, competence should attract mentorship.

In simple terms: Success should come first, then mentorship follows.

Key Takeaway

Focus on excelling first.

Themes

gender equity career development mentorship confidence

Mood

determined inspirational

Type

advice motivational

When to use this quote

  • young women entering workforce
  • career advancement programs
  • leadership training
  • networking events

Key Concepts

empowerment role models self-efficacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can organizations create environments where excellence is recognized without pre‑existing mentors?
  • What barriers prevent women from being seen as leaders?
A Different Perspective

Mentorship alone may not address systemic biases.

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