cellanr, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Why we think Sheryl Sandberg is a Type 3
Focus on efficiency and productivity. As COO of Facebook, Sandberg was known for her effective management and operational skills. When she joined Facebook, she initiated the "Facebook 5" – a list of five tasks that employees are to focus on each day. This strategy, which prioritizes key tasks over a never-ending to-do list, is a display of Sandberg's focus on efficiency and achievement. During her tenure at Google, she questioned the need for having numerous people in meetings, arguing that it was an inefficient use of many employees' time. She is quoted as saying, "No meeting should have more than two pizzas to feed the group" – a simple analogy that reflects her belief in the efficiency of smaller, focused teams.
Pragmatic and goal-oriented approach to success. The title of Sandberg’s famous book, Lean In, suggests a proactive, achievement-oriented mindset. The content is geared towards helping women succeed in their careers, providing pragmatic advice and strategies. Following the success of the book, Sandberg created an entire movement focused on women’s empowerment and pursuing clear and meaningful goals.
Emphasizing prioritization. Sandberg has always been an advocate for "ruthless prioritization." This mindset has helped shape Facebook's culture in the early days.
Dealing with tragedy: After the tragic death of her husband, Dave Goldberg, Sandberg wrote Option B about facing adversity and building resilience. She channeled her pain into advice and lessons learned in order to help others deal with challenges in a very structured and goal-oriented way.
Confident: She consistently presents herself with assurance and in a professional way. Whether she's addressing a group of women about leaning into their careers or speaking on a panel about technology and society, Sandberg is articulate, clear, and shows an ability to break down complex ideas and express them in relatable terms. In her TED Talk, she presents as polished, poised, and gives off a very aspirational energy.
Success in multiple arenas of business: Sandberg's career trajectory showcases her desire to succeed in diverse settings. She was Vice President of Global Online Sales & Operations at Google, then COO at Facebook, and has served on various boards. She’s also written best-selling books and led a movement focused on how to achieve more.
Emphasis on feedback and adapting: Sandberg mentions in various interviews and in her writings the importance of receiving feedback and continuously improving based on that feedback.
Sheryl Sandberg quotes that show she is a Type 3
"Done is better than perfect."
"Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence."
"Feeling confident -- or pretending that you feel confident -- is necessary to reach for opportunities. It's a cliche, but opportunities are rarely offered; they're seized."
“Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder.”
"If you're offered a seat on a rocket ship, don't ask what seat! Just get on."
"The easy days ahead of you will be easy. It is the hard days—the times that challenge you to your very core—that will determine who you are."
"You have to take opportunities and make an opportunity fit for you, rather than the other way around."
“I hope you find true meaning, contentment, and passion in your life. I hope you navigate the difficult times and come out with greater strength and resolve. I hope you find whatever balance you seek with your eyes wide open. And I hope that you - yes, you - have the ambition to lean in to your career and run the world. Because the world needs you to change it.”
“Option A is not available. so let's just kick the shit out of Option B."