| |
Book Discussion Questions |
| 1. |
In What It Takes, Henry outlines her own set of strategies
she has learned in a career spent working with men. Which of these
methods do you think is the most difficult for women in general? Which
one is the most difficult for you personally and why? |
| 2. |
Do you consider yourself a strong networker? What type
of networking activities do you think you should be engaging in that
you currently are not? What type of networking activities have you
found particularly useful in your field? |
| 3. |
Henry talks about networking with people you don’t
like. Do you agree or disagree with her statement? Why? |
| 4. |
Do you feel you get proper recognition for your performance
at work? Do you wait for praise for a job well done or make conscious
efforts to ensure your efforts do not go unnoticed? If the latter,
what are effective strategies you have used? |
| 5. |
What are some productive ways you’ve seen women
express emotions in your workplace setting? While women may be prone
to tears, Henry sees in her workplace setting that men are prone to
yelling. Do you feel women can express frustration or anger at work
in the same fashion men do and be viewed the same? Why or why not? |
| 6. |
Henry defines “emotional savviness” as being
aware of both your feelings and others and being able to alter your
response as a result of that awareness. How emotionally savvy do you
consider yourself? Based on the questions on page 175, which areas
do you (or your colleagues) believe you could seek improvement? |
| 7. |
In the chapter entitled, Make Yourself Known, Henry
outlines the importance of creating a personal sound bite and being
known for traits that are “uniquely you.” How would you
describe yourself to others? What are traits that you want to be known
for in the office? What steps are you taking to be known for those
traits? |
| 8. |
As related to sexuality and gender differences in the
workplace, Henry believes there are times when women can use female
stereotypes to their advantage. Do you agree or disagree? Where do
you draw the line? |
| 9. |
Mixing business with pleasure. Do you believe it is
okay to date a colleague, client, superior or employee? When are situations
you believe it is acceptable or not? Do you see common links in your
own work environment where it works or doesn’t work? |
| 10. |
How has your childhood attitude about money influenced
your relationship with money today? Has this attitude impacted your
career choice? |
| 11. |
Now that you have read this book, are there any past
work situations you look back on and think you should have handled
differently? If so, what was the situation and how would you change
it? |
| 12. |
In addition to the ideas Henry presents, what are other
strategies that you think help women move up at work? |
