What's Holding You Back?: Eight Critical Choices For Women's Success

by Linda S. Austin

After thirty years of feminism, women continue to underachieve, occupying only 10 percent of top-level managerial or professional positions. And significant achievement-influential woman leaders and visionaries-is rarer still. The reason, argues this bold and inspiring book, lies in the self-imposed psychological glass ceiling, which influences every decision women make in their lives. What's Holding You Back? charts women's unique pathways to achievement and examines eight life-defining choices that determine their ultimate level of accomplishment.

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 19, 2001

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m only withholding a 5 star review because this book is a little old. It was published in 2002 and has sat, unloved on my bookshelf since 2004.
Why? I was made redundant in 2004 and I needed the firm, but very clear strategies to restart my career. Sadly, I didn’t get these, but this book will still provide very valuable insight to today’s woman who wants to advance her career.
We look at how female energy is often scattered and need more focus at certain stages. We also look at how we self-sabotage and how we get derailed by circumstances.
I’m sure there is much more up to date scientific data that could be included in a debate now, but make no mistake, this book will give you an enormous advantage in getting your career reinvigorated.
If you are serious about a career, this is a must read.

[Theresa]

Enjoyed this book.
I may purchase this book for my daughter.
Interesting studies I found to be relatable.
Learned a lot about “bating”.

[Beth]

Good read. Discusses how despite 30 years of feminism women are still playing catch-up in the business world. Interesting perspectives on how what we can do to be more assertive about our careers and lives. I find it very tangible and empowering, but sometimes I need to put it down for a fun read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite gender books about women that I'm rereading. It clarifies the psychological glass ceiling and patterns of behavior that undermine a woman's progress, patterns that lead us to cooperate but not initiate; produce but not invent; participate but not lead; reflect but not create.

[Alexandra Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book to build confidence in the career woman. Gives powerful strategies for performing in the workplace, family and social life. Woman can have the best of all worlds after all!