Machiavelli for Women

Synopsis

From the NPR host of The Indicator and correspondent for Planet Money comes an "accessible, funny, clear-eyed, and practical" (Sarah Knight, New York Times bestselling author) guide for how women can apply the principles of 16th-century philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli to their work lives and finally shatter the glass ceiling-perfect for fans of Feminist Fight Club, Lean In, and Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office.

Women have been making strides towards equality for decades, or so we're often told. They've been increasingly entering male-dominated areas of the workforce and consistently surpassing their male peers in grades, university attendance, and degrees. They've recently stormed the political arena with a vengeance. But despite all of this, the payoff is-quite literally-not there: the gender pay gap has held steady at about 20% since 2000. And the number of female CEOs for Fortune 500 companies has actually been declining.

So why, in the age of #MeToo and #TimesUp, is the glass ceiling still holding strong? And how can we shatter it for once and for all? Stacy Vanek Smith's advice: ask Machiavelli "with this delicious look at what we have to gain by examining our relationship to power" (Sally Helgesen, New York Times bestselling author).

Using The Prince as a guide and with charm and wit, Smith applies Renaissance politics to the 21st century, and demonstrates how women can take and maintain power in careers where they have long been cast as second-best. "Machiavelli For Women is the ultimate battle guide for our times. Brimming with hard-boiled strategies, laced with wit, it's a must read for every woman ready to wield power unapologetically" (Claire Shipman, coauthor of The Confidence Code).

Read more

Summary

Chapter 1: The Art of Deception and Influence

Machiavelli teaches the importance of using deception to gain power and influence. He advocates for manipulating perceptions, creating false impressions, and playing upon the emotions of others.

Example: A politician uses carefully crafted speeches and public appearances to present a charismatic and trustworthy image, even though they may have ulterior motives.

Chapter 2: Mastering the Court Game

Machiavelli advises women on how to navigate the treacherous waters of court politics. He emphasizes the need to be ambitious, ruthless, and willing to eliminate rivals.

Example: A young noblewoman aligns herself with a powerful faction, using her charm and wit to advance her interests and undermine her competition.

Chapter 3: Commanding Respect and Loyalty

Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of establishing authority and earning respect. He advises women to use a combination of firmness, fairness, and generosity to build a loyal following.

Example: A CEO sets clear expectations and holds employees accountable, while also providing support and recognition for their hard work.

Chapter 4: The Power of Reputation

Machiavelli stresses the importance of carefully managing one's reputation. He advises women to avoid scandal and gossip, and to cultivate a positive image that enhances their credibility.

Example: A celebrity carefully curates their social media presence, projecting an image of kindness and compassion that reinforces their public persona.

Chapter 5: The Art of Persuasion

Machiavelli explains how to use persuasion effectively. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the desires of others and tailoring one's arguments accordingly.

Example: A salesperson uses psychological principles to connect with customers' needs, ultimately persuading them to make a purchase.

Chapter 6: The Importance of Allies

Machiavelli advises women to build a network of strong allies. He emphasizes the importance of choosing allies who are skilled, ambitious, and loyal.

Example: A business owner builds a team of trusted advisors who provide valuable advice and support, helping her achieve her goals.

Chapter 7: The Perils of Inaction

Machiavelli warns against the dangers of procrastination and indecision. He argues that bold action, even if it involves risk, is often more effective than waiting for the perfect moment.

Example: A job seeker takes a calculated risk by applying for a challenging position, despite not meeting all the qualifications.

Chapter 8: The Importance of Balance

Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between ruthlessness and compassion. He advises women to use their intelligence and intuition to navigate the complexities of power.

Example: A leader balances the need for discipline with empathy, creating a workplace that is both productive and supportive.