Sheryl Sandberg: Facebook Inc (FB)’s Anti-Zuckerberg

The shares have risen off the mat of the all-time low of $17.55 to get to the more respectable territory of the mid-$20s. Of course, that price level is still below the vaunted $38 figure, when Facebook was a brand-new stock, not to mention its steroid-like growth in the flush aftermath of the opening sales. Facebook’s stock briefly climbed all the way to $45. But to say that Facebook should ever be a $45 stock is as unrealistic and implausible as declaring that every baseball superstar is squeaky clean in the age of the sport’s era of performance-enhancing drugs.

Sandberg is the ideal executive to serve as the face of Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) right now. Through the massive hype surrounding the publication and promotion of Lean In, she will be on television constantly, reinforcing the virtues of a life well spent firmly in the bosom of capitalism.

On 60 Minutes, Sandberg comported herself well. She didn’t seem like an elitist (even though she might just be one). Instead, ever-earnest and eager to please, she projected an image of accomplishment and bonhomie, coming across more as a likable cheerleader than an overbearing teacher. You wouldn’t catch this Sheryl Sandberg raising her hand to protest that the class hadn’t yet received a homework assignment.

Speaking on 60 Minutes, Sandberg happily repeated the themes of Lean In. She said: “I am not saying that everyone has the resources or opportunities I have. But I am saying we need to help women own the power and learn how to negotiate for raises, get the pay they deserve.”

In the long run, if you’re a Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) stockholder, you probably don’t give a hoot about the merits of Lean In. Nor should you. What matters the most is that Sandberg had the chutzpah to speak her mind, understanding that her personal views might ruffle both people who regard themselves as feminists and those who most certainly do not.

What matters is that Facebook Nation has Sheryl Sandberg on its side, fighting its good fight. She projects confidence and a sense of purpose, which is what shareholders should always seek in their executives.

The article Sheryl Sandberg: Facebook’s Anti-Zuckerberg originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Jon Friedman owns no stock in any of the companies mentioned in this column. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Facebook.

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