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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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No Explanation Required! summary
Carol Sankar
A Woman's Guide to Assert Your Confidence and Communicate to Win at Work
14 mins
Brief summary
No Explanation Required! by Carol Sankar is a powerful guide that encourages women to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and overcome societal barriers. It provides practical advice for achieving success and breaking through glass ceilings.
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No Explanation Required!
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Key idea 1 of 5
Toot your own horn!
Women are often reluctant to openly tout their own accomplishments and expertise. But promoting yourself is critical to career success. As the saying goes, “It’s not bragging if it’s true.”
Women avoid bragging because it feels impolite or arrogant. If this sounds familiar, you’ve likely been socially conditioned to downplay your achievements, just as many other women have. But obscuring accomplishments prevents others from fully appreciating your talents. If you don’t remind people of your wins, they fade from memory. Even career highlights from years past remain relevant when applying for jobs or promotions.
Judicious bragging is a valuable form of communication – it highlights your capabilities and grabs the attention of decision makers. And while it may seem off-putting, self-promotion is necessary in competitive fields. Are you at work to make friends, or to get ahead?
Similarly, women often hesitate to showcase knowledge because they don’t want to be seen as boastful. But it’s counterproductive to hide expertise. Failing to speak up leads others to underestimate your capabilities.
This reticence to self-promote likely contributes to the gender pay gap. A study found that 69 percent of women prefer to downplay achievements in public. Comparatively, men are much more comfortable with self-promotion.
Here are some tips on bragging effectively:
Keep it positive – cite achievements without putting others down.
Reference client reviews and feedback. If they compliment your work, say so.
Use “I” statements to take full credit for your personal wins.
Quantify accomplishments with data or evidence. For example, you could state, “I increased sales by 35 percent.”
The key is striking a balance – avoid excessive humility, but don't be a braggart. Be proud of your expertise and accomplishments. You’ve put in the work, now own your achievements! Promoting your wins will convey your true talents and worth.
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What is No Explanation Required! about?
No Explanation Required! (2021) equips women with the communication tools needed to amplify their voices. Drawing on extensive research and real-world case studies, it offers women practical techniques to project confidence, negotiate promotions, navigate office politics, and lead with authority free of apology or justification.
No Explanation Required! Review
No Explanation Required! (2021) is a thought-provoking book that challenges conventional thinking and offers a fresh perspective on personal and professional growth. Here's what makes this book worth reading:
- It presents unique strategies and techniques that can be immediately applied to improve personal and professional life.
- With its practical exercises and relatable examples, the book empowers readers to take action and achieve their goals.
- Through inspiring stories and practical advice, the book keeps readers engaged and ensures that personal development remains enjoyable and exciting.
Who should read No Explanation Required!?
- Recent female graduates wanting to project competence from the word go
- Women in middle management who are sick of staring up at the glass ceiling
- Female C-Suite members who are ready to hone and consolidate their authority
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No Explanation Required! FAQs
What is the main message of No Explanation Required!?
The main message of No Explanation Required! is that success doesn't require justifications or explanations.
How long does it take to read No Explanation Required!?
The reading time for No Explanation Required! varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is No Explanation Required! a good book? Is it worth reading?
No Explanation Required! is worth reading as it offers valuable insights without the need for justifications or explanations.
Who is the author of No Explanation Required!?
The author of No Explanation Required! is Carol Sankar.
What to read after No Explanation Required!?
If you're wondering what to read next after No Explanation Required!, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Little Book of Stoicism by Jonas Salzgeber
- The Humor Habit by Paul Osincup
- Read People Like a Book by Patrick King
- The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
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