Don’t be a ‘girl’

Don’t be a ‘girl.’

It’s a phrase that gets thrown around a lot when it comes to negotiating pay rises or promotions.

We all know the stereotypes too. That women appreciate relationships over outcomes, they’re more willing to compromise, they don’t like confrontation, yada yada…

And there’s some research that suggests there could be a grain of truth in these stereotypes. The reasons for which are complex. Regardless, if you’ve got the urge to ‘be a girl’ when negotiating with your employer it’s best to prep yourself adequately and practise first before the live interaction.

One recommendation I give to my clients is to make it bigger than you.

Imagine a family member or friend who would be proud or inspired to hear you stepped up. Consider how your negotiating can reinforce and revitalize the confidence of other women.

If it helps, you can even take it a step further and pretend to negotiate on behalf of someone else.

Whatever you do, don’t accept less than you deserve.