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The success and likability penalty is imposed by both men…

“The success and likability penalty is imposed by both men and women. Women perpetuate this bias as well. (...) Calling attention to this bias forces people to think about whether there is a real problem or a perception problem. The goal is to give women something men tend to receive automatically…” quote by Sheryl Sandberg
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““The success and likability penalty is imposed by both men and women. Women perpetuate this bias as well. (...) Calling attention to this bias forces people to think about whether there is a real problem or a perception problem. The goal is to give women something men tend to receive automatically - the benefit of the doubt. (p.155)””

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.

Women often lack the benefit of the doubt, a bias that affects success and likability.

In simple terms: Women miss the benefit of the doubt bias.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for equitable assumptions.

Themes

gender bias workplace equity perception

Mood

analytical empowering

Type

professional inspirational

When to use this quote

  • job interviews
  • team meetings
  • performance reviews
  • leadership roles

Key Concepts

feminist theory social psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can organizations ensure the benefit of the doubt is gender‑neutral?
  • What steps can individuals take to counteract perception bias?
A Different Perspective

Bias can be unconscious and hard to measure.

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