Full Throttle: The Lean In Revolution

“Lean in.” You’ve heard it. Hell, you’ve probably even said it. But what does it really mean, and where did this buzzworthy phrase come from? Let’s track down the origins of “leaning in” and how it applies to everything from the fast-paced world of motorcycle racing to the high-stakes game of business.

Origins in Business

The phrase “leaning in” took off when Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s COO, published her groundbreaking book, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, in 2013. Sandberg’s rallying cry was for women to chase their career ambitions without hesitation. Her message? Be bold, take risks, and grab opportunities with both hands.

What It Means to Lean In

At its core, leaning in is about diving headfirst into challenges. Here’s how it translates in the business world:

1. Taking Risks: Big wins often come from bold moves. Leaning in means stepping out of your comfort zone and going for it, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Adam Grant’s Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World highlights how bold actions drive innovation and leadership.
2. Engagement and Initiative: Leaning in means being all in—engaging fully in conversations, pitching ideas, and taking on projects that might be outside your usual scope. Stephen R. Covey’s classic The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People nails it with his principle of being proactive.
3. Resilience: Setbacks are part of the game. Leaning in means bouncing back quickly and staying focused on your goals. Angela Duckworth’s Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance digs into why resilience is key to long-term success.
4. Leadership and Influence: Leaning in positions you as a leader and influencer, boosting your visibility and enabling you to drive change. Jim Collins’ Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don’t explores how leaders who lean in transform their companies.

Leaning In: More Than Just a Metaphor

Sure, the term “leaning in” might conjure images of motorcycle racers leaning into turns, but it’s not just about physical actions. It’s a mindset. Here are a few more ways to think about leaning in:

1. In Sports: Athletes across all sports lean in by pushing their limits, training hard, and staying focused. Whether it’s a basketball player going for the game-winning shot or a swimmer pushing through the last lap, leaning in is about giving it your all.
2. In the Arts: Musicians, actors, and artists lean in by embracing their craft with passion and dedication. They take risks with their performances and strive to connect with their audience on a deeper level.
3. In Education: Students and educators lean in by committing to lifelong learning and growth. It’s about tackling challenging subjects, asking tough questions, and constantly seeking improvement.
4. In Personal Life: Leaning in can also apply to personal challenges. It’s about facing difficulties head-on, whether it’s navigating a tough relationship, pursuing a personal goal, or overcoming a fear.

Leaning in—whether it’s in sports, the arts, education, business, or your personal life—is about embracing challenges, taking risks, and fully committing to your goals. Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In has inspired countless people to step up and lead. By applying these principles, you can navigate your career and life with the same determination and confidence as those who’ve mastered the art of leaning in.

Notes: If you need more guidance, dive into books like Originals, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Grit, Good to Great, Deep Work, The Confidence Code, and Who Moved My Cheese?. They’re packed with insights to help you lean in and achieve your full potential.