Sheryl Sandberg’s legacy is complicated. Here’s the lesson for leaders

In the pantheon of influential women in tech and business, Sheryl Sandberg stands as a towering figure, her legacy a complex tapestry woven with threads of groundbreaking success and marked by strands of controversy.

As Sandberg steps away from her board role at Meta, formerly Facebook, it’s essential to reflect on the duality of her impact. As a gender economist who advocates for systemic change in gender dynamics at work, I recognize the multifaceted nature of Sandberg’s contributions and the complexities they introduce into these crucial conversations.

Reevaluating Lean In

Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In represented a significant moment in gender equity, encouraging women to embrace leadership opportunities. This empowerment narrative resonated globally, yet, upon closer examination, reveals a more intricate tapestry of gender equity challenges.

Lean In, in its essence, addressed a specific slice of the female demographic —those in affluent, professional roles. In doing so, it often overlooked the layered challenges confronting women from intersectional backgrounds. This oversimplification of gender barriers in the workplace suggests that individual perseverance can transcend systemic inequalities, inadvertently minimizing the need for systemic change. When we asked women to lean in, we effectively blamed them for inequitable conditions they couldn’t control.

Systemic barriers and inclusivity

The conversation around gender equity in the workplace necessitates a broader lens that encompasses the myriad experiences of women across the intersectional spectrum.

As I have emphasized in my work, achieving true gender equity requires changing our systems to be equitable by design rather than inequitable by default. This involves addressing the root causes of gender inequity, such as unconscious bias, workplace policies, and cultural norms that perpetuate inequity.

Instagram and mental health

Sandberg’s role at Meta, particularly the impact of Instagram on societal norms and mental health among teenage girls, brings an additional dimension to her legacy. According to data from the Joint Economic Committee, researchers found that “29% of girls who spent three or more hours per day on social media engaged in self-harm and 31% of girls who spent five or more hours on social media were depressed.”

The platform, under Meta’s umbrella, has faced scrutiny for exacerbating mental health issues, notably around body image and self-esteem among young users. This situation illuminates tech companies’ profound influence and responsibility over societal norms and individual well-being.

Ethical leadership in tech

There is a critical need for a paradigm shift toward ethical stewardship in tech leadership. The rapid evolution and pervasive influence of digital platforms necessitate a leadership style that prioritizes the societal impact of technology alongside business objectives.

Leaders in this space, such as Sandberg, have the power to influence how these platforms address critical issues like mental health, privacy, and misinformation. This ethical leadership is crucial in setting a precedent for responsible and sustainable tech development.

Lessons from Sandberg’s legacy

Looking forward, Sandberg’s legacy offers valuable lessons for future leaders. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering an inclusive approach to leadership that accounts for diverse experiences and challenges the status quo of gender dynamics. It also highlights the need for ethical consideration in technology, emphasizing the impact of digital platforms on societal norms and individual well-being.

Sheryl Sandberg’s contributions to the discourse on women in leadership and her role in the tech industry present a complex legacy. Lean In initiated important conversations about gender equity but highlighted the limitations of addressing inclusion without considering broader systemic changes.

Moreover, her tenure at Meta and the ethical challenges posed by Instagram underscore the need for a new paradigm of leadership in the tech industry that harmonizes business success with social responsibility and ethical stewardship.

Her story serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale about publicly advocating for gender equity while failing to weave equity into the fabric of the organization you lead.