The book Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by  Lois P. Frankel, PhD, shines a light on the unconscious mistakes that women often make in the workplace, holding them back from reaching their full potential.

As a Gen Z or millennial looking to build your business or side hustle, you might see yourself in the struggles she highlights.

You’ll learn why habits like being overly agreeable or seeking constant approval can hurt your career growth.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck, this book offers clear, actionable steps to help you stand your ground and succeed on your own terms. Ready to stop sabotaging your success? Keep reading!

Detailed Summary of Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel PhD

In Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office, Lois P. Frankel PhD dives into the unconscious habits that prevent women from advancing in their careers. Throughout the book, she highlights common mistakes such as avoiding assertiveness, hesitating to compete, and prioritizing sympathy over respect—behaviors that often hold women back from reaching leadership positions.

Frankel emphasizes how societal expectations shape the way women present themselves, often discouraging traits like competitiveness and assertiveness. She explains that while these behaviors may align with traditional feminine roles, they can hinder professional growth. For instance, women may be reluctant to make bold decisions or take risks, fearing they will be perceived as bossy or aggressive.

The book also covers practical advice for overcoming these barriers. Frankel encourages women to take ownership of their decisions, avoid excessive reliance on others for advice, and adopt a more confident, assertive demeanor in the workplace. She also stresses the importance of networking and building strategic relationships that can propel career advancement.

Frankel’s approach is direct and actionable, offering you insight into how to change these self-sabotaging habits. Whether you’re aiming for a corner office or simply want to break through professional obstacles, this book provides the tools to get there with clarity and confidence. If you’re looking to overcome the hidden challenges that may be slowing you down, Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office is a must-read.

5 Lessons From Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel PhD

In Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office, Lois P. Frankel PhD offers a straightforward look at the behaviors and mindsets that often hold women back from reaching leadership roles. She points out unconscious mistakes that most women make in the workplace, behaviors that are learned early in life and often reinforced throughout their careers. Here are five critical lessons from the book that will help you overcome these barriers and level up your professional life:

1. Don’t Fear Assertiveness

Frankel explains that many women avoid assertive behavior out of fear of being labeled “bossy.” From a young age, girls are taught to be polite and avoid confrontation, while boys are encouraged to be competitive. This can lead to women suppressing their natural leadership qualities. But in the business world, being assertive is crucial. You have to stand your ground, express your opinions, and compete when necessary. If you’re shy about taking up space or voicing your thoughts, it could hurt your career growth.

The next time you’re in a meeting, remind yourself: it’s not bossy to assert your point of view—it’s a sign of confidence and leadership. By embracing assertiveness, you’ll show others you’re ready to lead, rather than waiting for permission to speak up.

2. Stop Relying on Others for Decisions

Frankel emphasizes that constantly seeking advice from others or letting them make decisions for you can hurt your professional image. If you always ask what others think or defer decisions to your boss, you might come across as indecisive or incapable of handling responsibility. Frankel suggests that instead of asking for constant validation, you should trust your own judgment and act with confidence.

When making a decision, trust yourself and take ownership of the outcomes. If you’re in a position of leadership—or striving to be—you need to make decisions quickly and stand by them. This will show your ability to lead without needing validation from others.

3. Mind Your Professional Image

The way you present yourself in the workplace matters. Frankel notes that dressing or acting “too femininely” can undermine your professional image. Little things, like smiling excessively, wearing too many accessories, or focusing on your appearance instead of your skills, can shift the focus away from your capabilities.

Women are often unconsciously trained to be more physically attractive, but in the workplace, your competence should take center stage. To make sure your message isn’t lost, dress professionally, maintain confident body language, and focus on presenting your ideas with authority. This doesn’t mean you need to abandon femininity—just be aware of how much attention it draws in situations where your skills and knowledge should be the focus.

4. Don’t Let “Little Girl Thinking” Hold You Back

Frankel points out that many women are still stuck thinking like little girls in the workplace, especially when dealing with authority figures like bosses.

When women view their boss or male colleagues as “father figures,” they might become too emotionally involved and fail to make objective decisions. This can lead to self-doubt and hesitation, which affects their professional performance.

To overcome this, Frankel advises that you separate your personal feelings from your professional decisions. Stop second-guessing yourself and your expertise. As a businesswoman, you need to be confident in your knowledge and skills. If you don’t trust your own abilities, others won’t either.

5. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Frankel warns that working too hard can actually work against you. Many women believe that putting in long hours will get them ahead, but the truth is that working excessively can lead to burnout and inefficiency. Instead, Frankel encourages women to prioritize their work, take breaks, and invest time in networking and relationship-building.

It’s not about how many hours you put in; it’s about what you achieve in those hours. You can’t afford to get stuck in low-level tasks that don’t move the needle. Be strategic, focus on high-impact work, and build strong relationships that will help you advance.

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These lessons are just a glimpse into what Frankel discusses in her book. Each chapter is filled with actionable advice for women who want to break free from self-sabotaging habits and reach their full potential in the workplace. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and stop holding yourself back, Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office is the perfect read for you.

Conclusion

Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel PhD reminds you that self-awareness and not just hard work is what moves you forward. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or like you’re playing small in business or life, her lessons will hit home. Start showing up with intention and stop waiting for permission. You owe it to yourself to take up space.

And if you’re serious about building a business that actually works for you, not the other way around, check out my blog post on The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco. It’s the mindset shift you didn’t know you needed.