Be nice, but not too nice. Be successful, but not too successful. Just be likeable. Whatever that means. Women are stuck in an impossible bind. At work, strong women are criticized for being cold, and warm women are seen as pushovers. An award-winning journalist examines this fundamental paradox and empowers readers to let go of old rules and reimagine leadership rather than reinventing themselves.

Please like me -- The Goldilocks conundrum -- Likability and authenticity as luxuries -- Damned if you do -- The power grab -- Public person; private self -- Angry women everywhere -- Addressing the emotional cost -- Shifting away from likability -- What we can do, as individuals and as organizations -- Let her lead.