The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance---What Women Should Know

More than half of this book is dedicated to describing research that shows that males are more confident than females. After reading one example after another, I was left feeling that there was not much hope for females when it came to learning confidence. Only chapters 6-8 cover how females can raise their confidence level (or, in the case of chapter 7, how you can raise a confident daughter), and even then the advice is basically limited to "Be willing to fail. Take action. Feel the fear and do it anyway." If you really want to know how to raise your confidence level and get along in society, reading "The Charisma Myth" might be time better spent.

I bought this book awhile ago, before I retired, because I was in an ill-fitting job, a quiet introvert among a group of extremely confident extroverts, and I was desperate for help. I didn't read it at that time. I wish I had. I have never been good at self-promotion, but in a workplace full of those who are, it's necessary. And this book shows how reasonable and honest self-promotion is a good thing and not a display of arrogance. We think nothing of men pushing themselves forward and touting their accomplishments, but in women it's considered tacky.This book points out how men learn, from childhood on, how to be confident, how to fail without feeling like a failure, while women tend to back away from that. Perhaps it is changing now, but that is definitely how it was when I was growing up. And worse, it was such a part of the social fabric that I never even thought twice about it. Women who talked themselves up were haughty. Humility was more attractive for women. But this left us vulnerable in the workplace, relegated to the back as men naturally push forward, and that is what the boss sees, leaving women's contributions unnoticed or under-noticed. I experienced this myself as, uncomfortable speaking up, I would hear others say what I was silently thinking and they got credit while I appeared mute and empty of ideas. Very foolish on my part. This book helps explain a lot of the thinking behind these types of actions and shows ways to change.Truly, I thought this would be just another flavor of the day business book but I was pleasantly surprised. It is primarily aimed at the work world but contains information useful at any point in life. I'm glad I finally read it.

I have been told I was a confident person since I was a little girl, but never believed it. After reading this book, I understand now what they meant: I was daring to be someone that others were not. I was courageous enough to not settle for mediocre. I was outrageous enough to do the things I did (pick up bagpiping as my high school instrument, for example). There were times I felt alone and “weird” because of how people saw my actions. But in reality, they just couldn’t see my STRENGTH AND CONFIDENCE. So here’s to a pretty great book I got for free and chose to read on a whim that ended up giving me the guts to ask for a job promotion (that prt came at JUST the right time, I might add). And here’s to a more confident me.

This books is a bit fluffy but an absolute must-read for any lady out there. Why do women not negotiate as well as men? Why are (some) women not taken as seriously as men in the workplace? This book mentioned so many things that I used to do myself and I could see how i'm stacking the deck against myself without even knowing it. I read it before a salary negotiation and as a result, I upped my initial asking number (and they gave it to me!). It's a thin book so you'll finish it in an afternoon or two. Also half of it is fluffy and skim-able. Again, if you're a lady, it's an absolute MUST read.

Best book I've read in decades; excellent research and science plus authors own experiences woven in. Couldn't put it down!

This book has a lot of interesting science but besides that I found it hard to stay focused when reading it. I basically forced myself to finish it because I hate starting books and not finishing them. I do think that other people may enjoy this book more though considering I tend to enjoy thrillers and self help books the most. I thought this book would be like a self help book but it wasn't quite to my taste.

I really enjoyed reading this book - it was like a summary of the many instances of my own crises of confidence through my life, and provided much food for thought. I had forgotten (at nearly 68 years of age) that I used to be so unsure of myself - and yet all the examples they cited of women whom they'd interviewed all sounded horrifyingly familiar. I think those of us who are older, who have stuck it out in our careers, have gradually learned that we must keep taking action, stop over-thinking, and accept being less than perfect, but, it was lovely to see the way they charted those conclusions all laid out so clearly.I am recommending the book to many of my younger women friends and clients. I am also discussing it with the men in my life too - because the men have no idea how deeply pervasive the feelings of inadequacy can be in their very capable and clearly intelligent women.

I would like to see everyone who teaches even one girl, young woman, adult female, etc. read this book. We need, desperately, to change the way women think of themselves. It took nearly 80 years for me to gain the self-confidence that my brothers seem to have inherited along with other genes. We must do better. There is a great deal of evidence to support my contention that our mental capacity is as good as or greater than our male counterparts. Let's do whatever is necessary to keep our females acting this truth. This book is a great beginning! Jo Seier-Doofe

This is definitely a very interesting read.If you struggle with anything to do with confidence, anxiety with your career, impostor syndrome or anything like it, this is worth the read.It gives you a very clever perspective on how things are so different for women than they are for men. And through societal conditioning, it's all our fault! We are almost programmed to act in a less confident way to men - not all, obviously - and this book opened my eyes to that and gave me a whole new perspective on asking for what I want professionally and giving myself the tools and power to feel more genuinely confident.Very interesting and worth a read.

Who would have thought Katty Kay would be so forthright about women's dismaying subjective role. She has some bright things to say about how we women should exert ourselves to stand up to men who are often so patronising. Women have been primed over centuries to shrink from claiming our proper role in society.

Just can’t get into this book it’s written so causally and All American examples so far ... disappointing as reviews were good

Extremely boring narration on CD. The book itself is trying too hard to prove their case that it leaves a lot of doubt if the authors believe they are convincing and persuasive enough on what they preach.

Book cake sealed with the new book smell so I can’t complaint.

I liked this book. It wasn’t what you’d typically get for reading the title - not a code. But a good summary of research into confidence and it does give you the drive to act an for better.

A good read.

Excellent

A highly important book for young women to read! I have recommended this book to everyone I know.

A must read. Learnt a lot.

just as descibed!

Super book - would recomend it. Easy read and not patronising

Easy to read, well grounded in cutting edge research as well as anecdotal human experience. It was a very enjoyable read.

Great book. Liked the scientific approach to the research. Very well written and easy to read.

One of good books I read this year. Centred around concept of confidence in women this book is a result of thorough research about factors involved in generating confidence in women. The discovery is satisfying. Factors lik genes and environmental influences plays a big factor on how confidence is built in women. A good informative read about different between men and women physiology and how each perceives confidence. The best take away is to be yourself. To make a point to have a different point. Women are different from men and to use once difference as ones strength to rise in career ladder is what this books tries to convey. Embrace your different qualities.