She Strengthens

The Art of Negotiation: Unlocking Your Potential

Negotiation is a vital skill that can make all the difference in achieving success, whether in your personal or professional life. For women, however, negotiation can be particularly challenging due to societal expectations and self-doubt. In this article, we will explore the insights of Jessica Miller, co-author of A Woman’s Guide to Successful Negotiating, on how women can overcome common negotiation mistakes and achieve their goals.

Common Negotiation Mistakes Women Make

According to Miller, one of the biggest mistakes women make is not asking for what they want. “It’s so easy to just throw out the question and see the reaction you get,” she says. Women often fear rejection or feel uncomfortable asking for what they want, but this can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.

Another mistake is adopting a negotiation style that isn’t authentic. Miller advises women to find their own unique approach, rather than trying to emulate someone else’s style. “If being aggressive is actually your preferred style and it works for you, go for it,” she says. “But for most women, I would say figure out what that style is and develop it.”

Finally, women often take negotiations personally, which can cloud their judgment and lead to poor decision-making. Miller emphasizes the importance of separating emotions from the negotiation process. “It’s not personal…don’t take it personally!” she advises.

Negotiating with Men vs. Women

Miller notes that every situation is unique, and it’s not necessarily about negotiating with men versus women. However, she does observe that men tend to approach negotiation as a competitive game, while women focus more on building relationships and finding common ground.

When negotiating with men, Miller advises women to prepare thoroughly and establish their credibility upfront. With women, she suggests using the relationship to build trust and find mutually beneficial solutions.

Salary Negotiation: Getting What You Deserve

Salary negotiation is one of the trickiest areas of negotiation, according to Miller. Her advice is to avoid discussing salary too early in the process and instead focus on building a connection with the employer. Once the employer is invested in you as a candidate, you can negotiate salary more effectively.

Miller also emphasizes the importance of thinking beyond the face value of the salary offer. Consider other benefits, such as bonuses, resources, and opportunities for growth, when evaluating the overall package.

Successful Negotiation Stories

In her book, Miller shares inspiring stories of women who have successfully negotiated in various contexts. One key takeaway is that even successful women can struggle with negotiation, especially when it comes to asking for what they want personally.

Advice for Young Professional Women

Miller’s final piece of advice is to figure out what you want and go after it with confidence. “Take opportunities, any opportunities that arise,” she says. “Follow through on everything you say you’ll do, and opportunities will come to you.” By being prepared and proactive, young professional women can set themselves up for success and achieve their goals.