Career Game Changers: Insights from Nice Girls Still Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel

In a world where women continue to push boundaries and break barriers, understanding how deeply ingrained behaviours can impact career growth is essential. While I didn’t agree with every lesson in Lois P. Frankel´s Nice Girls Still Don’t Get the Corner Office, I believe it’s an important read that provides practical advice for women seeking to optimise their professional lives and be aware of how to navigate male dominated spaces and industries. The book tackles key areas such as assertiveness, networking, personal branding, negotiation, and more, offering 133 typical mistakes women make in the workplace due to our socialisation. It’s an eye-opener for anyone aiming to question and reshape behaviors that may hold them back, it definitely make me reassess some of my behaviours.

The book begins with a self-assessment quiz that helps you identify which chapters are most relevant to your career. From there, it divides the lessons into seven major areas: how you play the game, how you act, how you think, how you brand yourself, how you sound, how you look, and how you respond. Here are the main takeaways from each section:

📚 Key Takeaway #1: How You Play the Game

To succeed, you need to know the rules of the game. This may sound intimidating, however Frankel emphasises that understanding workplace dynamics, advocating for mentorship, and using the full playing field are crucial for career success and important things to learn. Not all of these will apply for everyone, however I found the importance of avoiding working without a break and waiting to be given what you want super important.

Key Tip: Take breaks during your workday. Overworking without rest can signal that you’re trying to prove your worth through sheer exhaustion rather than strategic action. Remember, working smart is just as important as working hard. Also taking breaks doesn't always involve checking messages or scrolling, there are 7 types of rest and it is important to factor that in to feel more energised.

📚 Key Takeaway #2: How You Act

Many women downplay their intelligence or accomplishments to appear more relatable or to avoid being perceived as intimidating. Frankel encourages women to showcase their strengths confidently.

Key Tip: Speak about your achievements with pride. Practice self-affirmation and remind yourself of your accomplishments. Don’t minimise your expertise—own it. Also do not diminish the achievements of any other women, it is far more empowering to take inspiration from peers and colleagues. Having a positive narrative about yourself, your team and others is game changing

📚 Key Takeaway #3: How You Think

Our internal narratives shape our external actions. Negative stories we tell ourselves can lead to self-doubt and hesitation. Frankel suggests replacing these limiting beliefs with positive affirmations to foster a mindset of confidence and capability.

Key Tip: Challenge negative self-talk. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not qualified enough,” say, “I’m capable, and I’m constantly learning and growing.”

📚 Key Takeaway #4: How You Brand Yourself

Personal branding is more than just self-promotion—it’s about being visible and memorable for the right reasons. Frankel highlights the importance of confidently taking your seat at the table and crafting a strong elevator pitch. For more on this, consider revisiting my article on Peggy Klaus’s insights from Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It.

Key Tip: Develop an elevator pitch that encapsulates who you are and what you bring to the table. Make sure you’re visible, not just present, in important meetings and discussions.

📚 Key Takeaway #5: How You Sound

Women often preface their ideas with apologetic or minimising language, which can undermine their authority. Frankel advises eliminating unnecessary preamble and adopting a headline communication style—delivering your main point first.

Key Tip: Avoid over-apologising. Being overly apologetic can weaken your message and reduce the impact of your words. Practice assertive communication by stating your ideas clearly and confidently. Its important to also be mindful of not talking too fast as it communicates confidence when you take your time to respond and speak with clarity.

📚 Key Takeaway #6: How You Look

This chapter sparked some mixed feelings for me. While aspects of how you present yourself are important, the advice shouldn’t feel condescending or overly critical. Aside from other guidelines in this chapter, Frankel discusses the importance of taking up space confidently and ensuring your appearance aligns with your professional goals.

Key Tip: Be mindful of how you carry yourself—take up space, make eye contact, and adopt open body language. It’s not about conforming to a particular standard but about presenting yourself as someone confident and capable.

📚 Key Takeaway #7: How You Respond – Assertive Communication and Setting Boundaries

One of the most critical lessons in Nice Girls Still Don’t Get the Corner Office is learning how to respond in a way that upholds your confidence and boundaries, especially when facing challenges such as sexism in the workplace. Frankel emphasises that while you cannot control the behavior of others, you can control your response. This means learning to set firm, respectful boundaries and respond to inappropriate comments or actions in an empowered manner, in this chapter, she provides practical advice on maintaining composure and confidence when responding to biased or dismissive remarks.

Key Tip: Remember that how you respond reflects your self-worth. Practice responses that assert your value and maintain respect, both for yourself and others. Establishing these boundaries helps cultivate a workplace where your voice is heard and your contributions are valued. Don’t assume that others know what’s best for you; make your position and comfort level clear to build a career environment that aligns with your needs and values.

📚My Biggest Takeaway:

This book offered a wealth of insights into understanding behaviors that may be holding women back in the workplace. While I didn’t agree with every piece of advice, I found the reflections on assertiveness, personal branding, and negotiation particularly valuable. The idea that resonated most with me was the importance of balancing confidence with authenticity—being proud of your achievements without feeling the need to downplay them.

Why You Should Read Nice Girls Still Don’t Get the Corner Office:

If you’re looking for a resource that challenges you to reflect on your habits and rethink the behaviours that might be limiting your potential, this book is worth exploring. It’s about taking charge of your career with confidence and clarity, understanding that while not every lesson may resonate, there’s value in questioning your approach and finding what works best for you...

What behaviors have you challenged or changed to improve your career? Share your experiences in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going.