The difference between men and women

The previous post raised several interesting comments and I wanted to share two links :

Google Expects Different Answers From Men and Women on a Question Used to Predict Job Success

•  Men tend to overestimate their capabilities and to be less self-aware, as compared to women. In an interview, a man is preferred if he shows that he has something to learn. The hypothesis is that a man's success and his tendency to be more self-aware are positively correlated.

• For Women however, the hypothesis is that there is much societal pressure to be self-effacing and humble and to hang back, be modest and wait until they are certain rather than raise their hand at the first opportunity like men tend to do. Therefore if a woman says she’s great, first of all she’s probably going to have a higher EQ and better social perceptiveness. And second — she’s gonna be amazing! And, indeed, that’s what google see.

Sheryl Sandberg - Why we have too few women leaders , Sheryl advises women:

• Sit at the table - Do not underestimate yourself, negotiate, understand and believe in your own success, and believe that you deserve it!  (And literally, don't sit in the corner of the room.)

• Make your partner a real partner - Call for equal responsibility at home.

• Don't leave before you leave - If you are thinking of having a child - do not lean back yet. Once you start to lean back, your job becomes less challenging and you are going to be bored and will have less of an urge to return after your leave. Don't make decisions too early.

What is your secret?

...
"Do you have any more questions?" she asked.
"Yes", I answered, "but it's not exactly related to the position you have just described to me."
I was a bit embarrassed to ask but the question bothered me for a long time.
"I saw you on the internal-TV when I just joined the company two years ago. At the time you were a senior manager and you received an honorable title." I remembered it because it was so inspiring to me -- seeing that there are young powerful woman around me. "And since then you have already become a Director! ... How did you do it? What is your secret?"
She wasn't expecting that kind of question... I saw it on her face, but she gave me her response. A sincere, finely put answer that I greatly admired.

"Sometimes it is just a matter of good luck, being in the right place at the right time," she started humbly.
I wasn't satisfied.
She continued with stories from her career. One was about the time she was working simultaneously on two different projects, One project was highly valued and the other had low priority. She worked at nights on the low-priority-project because she was so passionate about it. Her manager wondered why she spends her nights working on the not-so-important-project. It turns out that this little project became big and meaningful and she became the most fit manager for the group. She took that challenge.
She summarized her success:
1. "I always follow my heart and invest time in what I am passionate about."
2. "When there is an opportunity, I always take it (if it doesn't reveal too many weaknesses)."

I'm grateful I had the chance to meet with her that day. The meeting opened my mind and gave me courage and inspiration.
Now I am part of the department she is leading.