Machiavelli for Women: Defend Your Worth, Grow Your Ambition, and Win the Workplace is a self-help novel through the lens of The Prince. What can women learn from Machiavelli and apply in the 21st century workplace? A fair bit, as it turns out.
Smith has done a decent job here of breaking down the struggles that women face in the professional world and how, with a bit of knowledge, perspective, and strategy, these struggles can be overcome. The book is peppered with real case studies of women who have succeeded against the odds: tech startup leaders, athletes, high flyers, all designed to inspire and show that You Can Do It Too. Some of the advice is a little… hast-taggy and juvenile (red underwear being a power move, for example), but I suppose everything’s backed up with research and a bit of light and shade is important in a book like this.
I’d recommend that any woman starting out her professional career read or listen to this book. It has practical and realistic advice to help navigate the workplace, particularly in the early years. The section devoted to strategic salary negotiation was particularly illuminating, and very applicable to those who have to do this in the private sector. Had I known these tips as a fledgling lawyer, I could probably have afforded to eat more than beans and ramen in my first few years of practice…
For someone who is established in their career and working at the level that they want to; however, these tips may not the most helpful. Perhaps it’s because I’ve landed in a female dominated workplace, but I don’t find myself having to navigate the sexist issues described in this book. And somehow, I haven’t often encountered the kind of bitchy backstabbing described in this book that seems endemic. I realise I’m a lucky minority here, and that the peaceful interpersonal politics in my workplace is one of my main reasons for staying there.. But I digress.
So, other than early career professionals, I would also strongly recommend this book to anyone who is navigating some treacherous workplace waters and butting heads with their colleagues. Smith’s advice is spot on in this regard.
Overall, 3 out of 5 Hot Boxes (not the kind you’re thinking of…).
And worth acknowledging: this book is inclusive of LGBTQIA women and non-binary persons, despite the title perhaps implying otherwise.