--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: First, women must come across as being…" description: "\"“First, women must come across as being nice, concerned about others, and “appropriately” female. When women take a more instrumental approach (“This i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/34b/sheryl-sandberg-439_feminism_first-women-must-come-across-as-being-ni_721982.png" --- # First, women must come across as being nice, concerned… ![“First, women must come across as being nice, concerned about others, and “appropriately” female. When women take a more instrumental approach (“This is what I want and deserve”), people react far more negatively. There is a saying, “Think globally, act locally.” When negotiating, “Think…” quote by Sheryl Sandberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/34b/sheryl-sandberg-439_feminism_first-women-must-come-across-as-being-ni_721982.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/34b/sheryl-sandberg-439_feminism_first-women-must-come-across-as-being-ni_721982.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/34b/sheryl-sandberg-439_feminism_first-women-must-come-across-as-being-ni_721982.png) > ““First, women must come across as being nice, concerned about others, and “appropriately” female. When women take a more instrumental approach (“This is what I want and deserve”), people react far more negatively. There is a saying, “Think globally, act locally.” When negotiating, “Think personally, act communally.”” [Sheryl Sandberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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 must present themselves as caring and traditionally feminine to be accepted; assertiveness can trigger backlash. **In simple terms:** Women are judged more harshly when they are assertive. Key Takeaway Balance authenticity with strategic self‑presentation. Themes gender bias leadership communication social expectations Mood frustrated determined Type advice observational When to use this quote - career negotiations - team meetings - public speaking - networking Key Concepts feminine stereotypes assertiveness double bind Questions to Reflect On - How can organizations reduce bias against assertive women? - What strategies help maintain authenticity while navigating expectations? A Different Perspective Effectiveness may be limited by entrenched stereotypes. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Act Communally](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/act-communally-2707400/) [Approach Want](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/approach-want-791424/) [Appropriately Female](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/appropriately-female-5672291/) [Feminism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feminism/) [Negotiating Think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/negotiating-think-2707399/) [Personally Act](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/personally-act-832916/) ## Related quotes > [“When negotiating, "Think personally, act communally." 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