I was browsing in a bookshop recently and noticed Tina Fey's autobiography Bossypants had been placed in the business section alongside Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In. It speaks volumes about the perception of female leadership and, by association, doesn't say much for the "lean in" philosophy either.

Facebook chief financial officer Sandberg is well-known for her bestseller Lean In, which received much praise for addressing women in leadership roles, while receiving almost as much criticism for the unique position of privilege Sandberg enjoyed as she dispensed the advice.

Now, in a lengthy Facebook post, the recently-widowed Sandberg addresses the issue of women who are managing work as a single mother. Her post is evidence-based while being sensitive to the economic issues and lack of supports experienced by so many women in that situation. It also shows that some individuals in a privileged position like hers are capable of empathy and insight.

[ facebook.com/sheryl/posts/10156819553860177Opens in new window ]