Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel

Transform Your Career: Stop Self-Sabotaging Behaviors and Claim the Success You Deserve

About the Book

Women work hard, play by the rules, and still watch opportunities go to others. Why? Because being “nice” often means being overlooked. In this updated edition of her groundbreaking bestseller, Dr. Lois P. Frankel reveals over 130 unconscious mistakes women make that undermine their professional success. From body language to communication style, from office politics to negotiation tactics, this book provides actionable strategies that help you break free from self-limiting patterns and step into the career you deserve.

From the Back Cover

“You were taught that being a good girl meant being polite, cooperative, and accommodating. But those same behaviors can sabotage your career. It’s time to rewrite the rules.”

About the Author

Dr. Lois P. Frankel is an internationally recognized executive coach, keynote speaker, and president of Corporate Coaching International. With decades of experience coaching women in Fortune 500 companies, she has helped thousands of professionals identify and overcome the obstacles standing between them and the corner office. Her practical, no-nonsense approach has made her one of the most trusted voices in women’s career development.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is essential reading for any woman who feels stuck, overlooked, or undervalued at work. Whether you’re an entry-level professional learning the ropes, a mid-career manager hitting a plateau, or a senior leader navigating executive challenges, you’ll find insights that resonate. It’s also invaluable for mentors, coaches, HR professionals, and anyone committed to creating more equitable workplaces where talent—not conditioning—determines success.

What You’ll Learn

Master the Unspoken Rules of Career Success

You’ll discover the subtle mistakes that signal you’re not executive material—like apologizing too much, staying silent in meetings, or downplaying your achievements. Each chapter breaks down specific behaviors, explains why they hurt your career, and offers concrete coaching tips to change them. From projecting confidence to navigating office politics, from asking for what you deserve to building strategic relationships, this book equips you with the skills that separate those who advance from those who stagnate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is this book only for women in corporate jobs?
No. While many examples come from corporate settings, the strategies apply to any professional environment—nonprofits, academia, entrepreneurship, and more. The principles of effective communication, self-advocacy, and strategic thinking are universal.

Q: How is the revised edition different from the original?
The revised edition includes updated examples reflecting modern workplace challenges, expanded sections on digital communication and remote work dynamics, and new insights on navigating today’s complex professional landscape while maintaining the core coaching framework that made the original a classic.

Q: Will this book tell me to act like a man to succeed?
Absolutely not. This book isn’t about abandoning your authentic self or adopting masculine behaviors. It’s about recognizing which learned behaviors—often rooted in how girls are socialized—hold you back, and consciously choosing more effective strategies that align with who you want to be professionally.

Q: Can I implement these strategies without seeming aggressive or difficult?
Yes. The book emphasizes professional assertiveness, not aggression. You’ll learn how to set boundaries, speak up, and advocate for yourself in ways that command respect while maintaining positive relationships. It’s about being strategic and intentional, not changing your personality.